JPWO2009020204A1 - Input device and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are an input device, a control device, a control system, and a control method capable of regulating the movement of a pointer on a screen by a user operation even when the input device is moving. When the movement button is not pressed by the user, the MPU of the input device stops outputting the movement command or outputs a movement command for setting the pointer displacement amount to zero. That is, even if the user moves with the input device 1, the pointer does not move on the screen 3. Thereby, the movement of the pointer which a user does not intend can be controlled. When the movement button 7 is pressed, that is, when the first operation signal is input via the first switch, the MPU starts outputting the movement command. Upon receiving the movement command, the MPU of the control device controls the display of the pointer so as to start the movement of the pointer according to the movement command. [Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a spatial operation type input device for operating a GUI (Graphical User Interface), a control device that controls a GUI according to the operation information, a control system including these devices, a control method, and a handheld device.

  Pointing devices such as a mouse and a touch pad are mainly used as a GUI controller that is widely used in PCs (Personal Computers). The GUI is not limited to the conventional HI (Human Interface) of a PC, but has begun to be used as an interface for AV equipment and game machines used in a living room or the like, for example, using a television as an image medium. As such a GUI controller, various pointing devices that can be operated by a user in space have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  Patent Document 1 discloses a biaxial angular velocity gyroscope, that is, an input device including two angular velocity sensors. This angular velocity sensor is a vibration type angular velocity sensor. For example, when a rotational angular velocity is applied to a vibrating body that vibrates piezoelectrically at a resonance frequency, a Coriolis force is generated in a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction of the vibrating body. Since this Coriolis force is proportional to the angular velocity, the rotational angular velocity is detected by detecting the Coriolis force. The input device of Patent Document 1 detects angular velocities about two orthogonal axes by an angular velocity sensor, generates a command signal as position information such as a cursor displayed by the display unit according to the angular velocity, Send to control device.

JP 2001-56743 A (paragraphs [0030], [0031], FIG. 3) Japanese Patent No. 3264291 (paragraphs [0062] and [0063])

  Since such a spatially-operated input device is actually moved in a three-dimensional space, for example, compared to a mouse that is moved in a two-dimensional plane, the spatially-operated input device includes a space that is not intended by the user. The operation type input device is considered to have a higher movement frequency. For example, when the user finishes using the input device and places the input device in an arbitrary place such as a desk, a table, or a floor, the user moves to the arbitrary place. For example, when moving the device. In other words, in addition to the movement of the input device for the user to intentionally move the pointer, the pointer moves in response to a movement not intended by the user. If the user does not intend to move the input device, the user may want to stop the movement of the pointer.

  In view of the circumstances as described above, an object of the present invention is to provide an input device, a control device, a control system, and a control device that can regulate the movement of the pointer on the screen by a user operation even when the input device is moving. It is to provide a control method and a handheld device.

  By the way, the input device is generally provided with command input keys represented by left and right buttons and wheel buttons mainly used with a mouse, in addition to detection of position changes by various sensors. When a user issues a command to an icon to be operated, the user operates the pointing device to position the pointer on an arbitrary icon and presses a command input key. However, when the user inputs a command input key using a spatial operation type input device, the pointing device itself may move due to the action when the command input key is pressed, and the pointer also depends on the pointing device. Will move. As a result, the user will not be able to issue a command because the pointer is removed from the icon to be operated, or the user intends to perform a click operation, but the user moves the pointer while pressing the button, resulting in a drag operation. There are cases where an unintended operation is performed.

  In order to solve such a problem, Patent Document 2 discloses a process in which the pointer is not moved while the enter operation is performed by the pointing device (remote commander), that is, while the button is pressed. It is disclosed. However, if the enter operation signal is generated for a predetermined time, the PC processes it as a drag operation. However, if the pointer operation stops during the entire period in which the enter code is input, the PC is processed. On the other hand, there is a problem that the drag operation cannot be processed. In order to solve this, Patent Document 2 discloses a process in which a predetermined period is counted from the point of time when the enter information is input, and the display output of the pointer is stopped only during that period.

  However, since a PC or the like often recognizes a command when the enter code is released by releasing the button pressed by the user, the pointer may move away from the icon before the PC issues the command depending on how the button is released. There is. In this case, the PC cannot issue the command.

  In addition, since the PC recognizes the command when the enter code is canceled as described above, if the pointing device moves at the time of double-clicking, the PC may erroneously determine that it has been dragged.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide techniques such as an input device and a control device that can improve the operational feeling when a user inputs an operation signal through an operation unit using the input device. .

  In order to achieve the above object, an input device according to the present invention is an input device that controls the movement of a pointer on a screen, and detects the movement of the casing and the casing in accordance with the movement of the casing. A sensor that outputs a detection signal, a movement command output unit that outputs a movement command corresponding to the amount of displacement of the pointer on the screen in accordance with the detection signal, and switching according to an operation input to the input device A possible first switch, and output control means for controlling the output of the movement command in order to switch the start and stop of the movement of the pointer in accordance with the switching of the first switch.

  In the present invention, when the user inputs an operation to the input device via the first switch, a movement command corresponding to the amount of displacement of the housing for starting the movement of the pointer is output. As a result, when the user wants to move the pointer, the pointer can be moved. Therefore, when no operation is input through the first switch, the movement of the pointer can be stopped.

  Controlling the output of the movement command means, for example, that when the movement of the pointer is stopped, either the output of the movement command is stopped or the movement command with the displacement amount of the pointer being zero is output. Meaning.

  In the present invention, the output control means controls the output of the movement command so as to start the movement of the pointer when the first operation signal from the first switch is inputted. Or, conversely, when the first operation signal from the first switch is input, the output control means stops the output of the movement command or sets the displacement command to zero. The output of the movement command may be controlled so as to output.

  In the present invention, the input device includes a second switch, and in response to input of the second operation signal to the input device by the second switch in a state where the first operation signal is input. A decision command output means for outputting a decision command is further provided. In the present invention, when the first switch is connected and the first operation signal is input, the user inputs the second operation signal to the input device via the second switch, whereby the determination command is issued. Is output. Thus, the pointer can be moved by connecting the first switch, and the decision command can be output by connecting the second switch, so that the user can operate intuitively. .

  Alternatively, the determination command by the second switch may be output in a state where the input of the first operation signal is cancelled. Thereby, although a drag operation cannot be performed, an operation according to a user's determination command can be surely performed on a UI of a target icon or the like, an erroneous operation can be prevented, and footwork is reduced.

  The determination command is a command for executing a predetermined process on a UI (not including a pointer) such as an icon on the screen, and is typically a command for selecting the UI. However, it is not limited to that.

  In the present invention, the input device further includes an operation unit having a two-stage action for continuously inputting the first operation signal and the second operation signal.

  Thereby, since the user can perform two operations continuously with one operation unit, the above-described user's intuition can be further improved.

  Examples of the operation unit include a push type button, a stick type operated using one end as a fulcrum, a slide type operation unit, and a rotation type operation unit. Among these, the rotation axis of the rotary type operation unit may be provided in any direction with respect to the housing. Examples of push-type buttons include the following buttons.

  For example, the operation unit includes a push-type button that can correspond to the first switch and the second switch by linear push. Alternatively, the operation unit includes a push-type first button having the first switch and a push-type second button that is physically separated from the first button and has the second switch. And a surface button capable of continuously pressing the first button and the second button.

  In the present invention, the input device stops the output of the movement command within a first time after the second operation signal is input by the second switch or sets the displacement amount to zero. It further comprises movement command control means for controlling the movement command output means so as to output the movement command. In the present invention, even if a detection signal corresponding to the movement of the housing is output by the sensor within a predetermined time (first time) after the second operation signal is input, the pointer on the screen is displayed. Movement is regulated. That is, the movement of the pointer is restricted even if the housing moves due to the action when the user inputs a signal to the input device via the second switch. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an operation such as a pointer or an icon that is not intended by the user, and to improve the operational feeling.

  For example, when the input of the second operation signal is canceled within the first time after the second operation signal is input by the second switch, the movement command control means The movement command output means is controlled to stop the output of the movement command within the second time after the input of the operation signal is canceled. Alternatively, the movement command with the displacement amount set to zero may be output. Thereby, a user can operate a pointer etc. without a sense of incongruity.

  In the present invention, the input device stops the output of the movement command within a second time after the input of the second operation signal is canceled by the second switch, or the displacement amount It further comprises movement command control means for controlling the movement command output means so as to output the movement command with zero set to zero. As a result, the user inputs a signal to the input device via the second switch, and within a predetermined time (second time) after the input is canceled, the operation when the user cancels the input is performed. Even if the body moves, the movement of the pointer on the screen is restricted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an operation such as a pointer or an icon that is not intended by the user, and to improve the operational feeling. The second time may be the same as or different from the first time.

  For example, when the second operation signal is input within the second time after the input of the second operation signal by the second switch is canceled by the second switch, the movement command control means The movement command output means is controlled to stop the output of the movement command within the first time after the operation signal is input. Alternatively, the movement command with the displacement amount set to zero may be output. Thereby, a user can operate a pointer etc. without a sense of incongruity.

  In the present invention, the output control means is configured to start the output of the movement command after a third time has elapsed since the input of the first operation signal for starting the movement of the pointer. Control the output means. When the user inputs operation continuously through the first switch and the second switch, the user can operate the pointer and the like without feeling uncomfortable. The third time may be the same as or different from the first time.

  The control device according to the present invention includes a housing, a sensor that detects the movement of the housing, outputs a detection signal corresponding to the displacement of the pointer on the screen, and an operation According to the detection signal output from the input device having a first switch that can be switched according to an input and an output control means for controlling the output of the detection signal according to the switching of the first switch, A control device for controlling movement of the pointer; receiving means for receiving the detection signal; output means for outputting a corresponding signal corresponding to the displacement based on the received detection signal; and The display control means controls the display position of the pointer on the screen accordingly, and controls the start and stop of the movement of the pointer according to the control by the output control means.

  The premise that “the casing and the control device” are described in order to clarify the contents of the present invention, and the present inventors intend the premise as a known technique. I don't mean.

  A control system according to the present invention is a control system that controls the movement of a pointer on a screen, and includes an input device and a control device. The input device includes a housing, a sensor that detects movement of the housing and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the movement of the housing, and displacement of the pointer on the screen according to the detection signal A movement command output means for outputting a movement command corresponding to the amount, a first switch that can be switched according to an operation input to the input device, and an output of the movement command according to the switching of the first switch. Output control means for controlling. The control device controls the display position of the pointer on the screen according to the received movement command, the receiving means for receiving the movement command, and the pointer according to the control by the output control means. Display control means for controlling the start and stop of movement.

  A control system according to another aspect of the present invention is a control system that controls the movement of a pointer on a screen, and includes an input device and a control device. The input device includes a casing, a sensor that detects the movement of the casing, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the movement amount of the pointer on the screen, and an operation input A first switch that can be switched according to the first switch, and an output control unit that controls the output of the detection signal according to the switching of the first switch. The control device includes a receiving unit that receives the detection signal, an output unit that outputs a corresponding signal corresponding to the displacement based on the received detection signal, and the screen on the screen according to the corresponding signal. Display control means for controlling the display position of the pointer and controlling the start and stop of the movement of the pointer according to the control by the output control means.

  The control method according to the present invention outputs a detection signal corresponding to the movement of the casing by detecting the movement of the casing of the input device, and the amount of displacement of the pointer on the screen according to the detection signal The movement command corresponding to is output, the output of the movement command is controlled according to switching of the first switch by the operation input to the input device provided in the input device, and the movement command according to the movement command The display position of the pointer on the screen is controlled, and the start and stop of the movement of the pointer are controlled according to the control of the output of the movement command.

  An input device according to another aspect of the present invention is an input device that controls movement of a pointer on a screen, and detects a movement of the casing and the casing, and a motion signal corresponding to the movement of the casing A movement sensor that outputs a movement command corresponding to the movement signal for moving the pointer on the screen, a detection area, and a user's body is in the detection area A sensor for detecting whether or not it exists, and output of the movement command to switch the start and stop of the movement of the pointer when the sensor detects that the user's body is present in the detection area Output control means for controlling the output.

  In the present invention, the sensor detects whether or not the user's body (for example, a finger) is present in the detection area, and controls the output of a movement command for moving the pointer according to the presence or absence of the user's body. Is done. Thereby, the user can arbitrarily switch the start and stop of the movement of the pointer by causing the finger to enter the detection area or touching the detection area with the finger. As a result, since the pointer can be stopped when the user wants to stop the movement of the pointer on the screen, the movement of the pointer not intended by the user can be prevented.

  The “sensor” includes a reflective optical sensor, a transmissive optical sensor, a capacitance sensor, and the like. Any sensor that can detect the presence of the user's body may be used.

  The “detection area” includes a spatial area and a planar area.

  “Controlling the output of the movement command” means that when the movement of the pointer is stopped, the output of the movement command is stopped or the movement command with the displacement amount of the pointer being zero is output. It means that. On the other hand, when the movement of the pointer is started, the output of the movement command is started, or the output of the movement command with the displacement amount set to zero is output as the displacement amount corresponding to the movement of the housing. Is either meaning.

  In the input device, the output control unit controls the output of the movement command so that the pointer moves on the screen when it is detected that the user's body is present in the detection area. .

  In the present invention, when the user enters or touches the detection area with the finger, the presence of the finger in the detection area is detected by the sensor, and the pointer moves on the screen. On the other hand, when the user removes the finger in the detection area from the detection area or releases the finger that touched the detection area, the movement of the pointer stops.

  Thus, when the user wants to stop the movement of the pointer, the user can stop the pointer by preventing the finger from entering the detection area. If you want to start moving the pointer, you can start moving the pointer by moving your finger into the detection area. If you want to stop moving the pointer again, move your finger from the detection area. The pointer can be stopped by removing it.

  In the input device, the output control means outputs the movement command so as to stop the movement of the pointer on the screen when it is detected that the user's body is present in the detection area. Control.

  In the present invention, the user can stop the pointer by causing the finger to enter the detection area, and can start moving the pointer by removing the finger from the detection area.

  The input device further includes an operation unit that is pressed by the user and outputs a pressing operation signal corresponding to the pressing operation, and a determination command output unit that outputs a determination command corresponding to the pressing operation signal.

  Thereby, for example, the user can perform operations such as making a finger enter the detection area to position the pointer on the intended icon and pressing the operation unit to select the icon.

  The “decision command” is a command for executing a predetermined process on a UI (not including a pointer) such as an icon on the screen, and is typically a command for selecting the UI. However, it is not limited to that.

  In the input device, the output control means controls the output of the determination command in response to an input of the pressing operation signal in a state where the presence of the user's body is detected in the detection area. .

  “Controlling the output of the determination command in response to the input of the pressing operation signal” means that the determination command is output when the input of the pressing operation signal is started or the input of the pressing operation signal is canceled This includes the case where a decision command is output.

  In the input device, the detection area may be disposed on the operation unit.

  In the present invention, when the operation unit is pressed while a finger is detected in the detection area on the operation unit, a pressing operation signal is output from the operation unit, and a determination command corresponding to the pressing operation signal is output. The Thereby, for example, the user moves the pointer on the screen with the finger in the detection area on the operation unit and positions the pointer on the icon, and presses the operation unit with the finger in the detection area. You can perform operations such as selecting an icon on the screen. That is, according to the present invention, the user moves the finger on the screen by a series of simple finger movements in which the finger enters the detection area on the operation unit and presses the finger in the detection area on the operation unit. It is possible to intuitively operate the GUI.

  In the input device, the output control unit controls the output of the determination command according to the input of the pressing operation signal in a state where the presence of the user's body is not detected in the detection region. .

  In the present invention, the determination command is output in a state where the user's finger is not detected in the detection area, that is, in a state where the movement of the pointer is stopped. Accordingly, for example, the user can issue a determination command by pressing the operation unit after the pointer is positioned on the icon and the pointer is stopped on the icon. As a result, a reliable GUI operation can be performed.

  In the input device, the detection area may be arranged so that the operation section and the detection area are arranged in a direction different from a pressing direction to the operation section.

  Thereby, the user can operate the GUI on the screen with a simple operation of one finger.

  In the input device, the sensor may be an optical sensor having a light emitting element that irradiates light to the detection region and a light receiving element that detects the light.

  The optical sensor may be a reflective optical sensor or a transmissive optical sensor.

  The input device may further include a wavelength selection region that selectively transmits the light belonging to the wavelength region of the light emitted from the light emitting element among the light emitted to the light receiving element.

  Thereby, since the light receiving element can appropriately detect the light emitted from the light emitting element, it is possible to effectively reduce the influence of disturbance light.

  In the input device, the sensor may be a capacitance sensor.

  In the input device, when it is not detected that the user's body is present in the detection area, or when it is not detected that the user's body is present in the detection area for a predetermined time, The apparatus further comprises a regulating means for regulating supply of electric power to the motion sensor.

  In the present invention, the regulating means has little need to output a movement command when there is no finger in the detection area or when the finger does not exist in the detection area for a predetermined time. Regulate supply. Thereby, power saving of the input device can be realized.

  In the input device, the sensor detects whether or not the user's body is present in the detection region at a predetermined cycle.

  In the present invention, the power saving of the sensor is realized by detecting the presence or absence of the finger in the detection region at a predetermined cycle.

  The input device further includes cycle control means for variably controlling the cycle.

  In the present invention, since the cycle for detecting the presence / absence of the finger is variable, for example, when there is little need for the sensor to detect the presence / absence of the finger, it is possible to further save power by increasing the cycle. Can be

  In the input device, the cycle control means controls the cycle so that the cycle becomes shorter as the output value of the motion signal or the calculated value obtained based on the motion signal increases.

  In the present invention, as the output value of the motion signal or the calculated value obtained based on the motion signal increases, the cycle for detecting the presence or absence of the finger is shortened. On the contrary, the cycle becomes longer as the output value or the operation value of the motion signal becomes smaller.

  When the user moves the pointer on the screen, the user grasps and operates the casing, so that the output value of the motion signal or the calculated value obtained based on the motion signal increases in accordance with this operation. That is, as the output value of the motion signal increases, the necessity of detecting the presence / absence of the user's finger is considered to increase.

  On the other hand, when the output value of the motion signal of the input device or the calculated value is small, such as when the input device is stationary, it is considered that there is little need to detect the presence or absence of the finger by the sensor.

  In the present invention, it is possible to appropriately save power by variably controlling the period for detecting the presence / absence of a finger using such a relationship.

  In the above input device, the cycle control unit may increase the cycle as the time from when the presence of the user's body is not detected in the detection area until the presence is detected becomes longer. To control the period.

  In the present invention, power saving is realized by increasing the period for detecting the presence / absence of a finger as the time until the user removes the finger from the detection area and moves the finger back into the detection area becomes longer. The

  In the above input device, the period control means takes a long time from the start of power supply from the power source to the input device until it is detected that the user's body is present in the detection region. Accordingly, the period is controlled so that the period becomes longer.

  In the present invention, power saving is realized by increasing the period as the time from when the supply of power to the input device is started until the user enters the finger into the detection region is increased.

  In the input device, the sensor controls the voltage so as to supply a voltage to the light emitting element intermittently with the light emitting element that irradiates the detection region with light, the light receiving element that detects the light, and the cycle. And voltage control means for controlling the voltage so as to continuously supply the voltage to the light receiving element regardless of the period.

  When the sensor has a light emitting element and a light receiving element, when a voltage is intermittently supplied to the light receiving element, the light receiving element receives light as if the light receiving element detected light even though it did not detect light. A signal is output from the element. This problem is considered to be because when a voltage is intermittently supplied to the light receiving element, a stray capacitance is generated in the light receiving element, and this stray capacitance affects the signal output. In the present invention, since a voltage is continuously supplied to the light receiving element, it is possible to prevent a signal from being output from the light receiving element as if the light receiving element detected light.

  In the input device, the sensor is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the light emitting element that irradiates light to the detection region, the light receiving element that detects the light, and the light emitting element and the light receiving element. You may further have the light-shielding member which shields the said light from an element.

  In the input device, the light receiving element outputs a light reception signal corresponding to the detected intensity of the light, and the input device inputs the light reception signal, and changes the output value of the light reception signal. Accordingly, it further comprises a determination means for determining whether or not the light reception signal is input.

  For example, when the disturbance light is strong, the light receiving element may detect light other than the light emitted from the light emitting element, and may continue to output a light reception signal. In the present invention, whether or not a light reception signal is input from the light receiving element is determined according to the amount of change in the output value of the light reception signal, so that the influence of disturbance light can be effectively removed. .

  In the input device, the light receiving element outputs a light reception signal corresponding to the detected intensity of the light, and the input device receives the light reception signal and removes a DC component of the light reception signal. And waveform shaping means for shaping the waveform of the received light signal from which the DC component has been removed.

  In the present invention, even if the disturbance light is in a stronger state, the influence of the disturbance light can be effectively removed.

  In the input device, the output control means controls the output of the movement command so that the pointer stops on the screen within a first time after the input of the pressing operation signal is started.

  In the present invention, the movement of the pointer on the screen is restricted within the first time after the input of the pressing operation signal is started, even if a motion signal corresponding to the movement of the housing is output by the motion sensor. The That is, the movement of the pointer is restricted even if the housing moves due to the action when the user presses the operation unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an operation such as a pointer or an icon that is not intended by the user, and to improve the operational feeling.

  In the input device, the output control means controls the output of the movement command so that the pointer stops on the screen within a second time after the input of the pressing operation signal is canceled.

  Thus, since the movement of the pointer is restricted within the second time after the input of the pressing operation signal is released, for example, the case where the user presses the operating unit and releases the finger from the operating unit. The pointer does not move on the screen even if moves. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an operation such as a pointer or an icon that is not intended by the user, and to improve the operational feeling. The second time may be the same as or different from the first time.

  In the input device, when the input of the pressing operation signal is canceled within the first time period, the output control unit performs the second time period from the cancellation of the input of the pressing operation signal on the screen. The output of the movement command is controlled so that the pointer stops.

  Thereby, the user can operate a pointer etc. naturally without a sense of incongruity.

  In the input device, when the input of the pressing operation signal is started within the second time period, the output control unit is configured to display on the screen during the first time from the start of the input of the pressing operation signal. The output of the movement command is controlled so that the pointer stops.

  Thereby, the user can operate a pointer etc. naturally without a sense of incongruity.

  In the input device, the light receiving signal of the light emitting element that emits light in the cycle depends on whether a difference between an output value of the received light signal during light emission and a received light signal output value during light extinction exceeds a predetermined threshold Determine the input.

  Thereby, the influence of disturbance light can be reduced effectively.

  The input device further includes a transmitting member that has a pressing surface pressed by the user, is provided so that the detection region is disposed on the pressing surface, and transmits light emitted from the light emitting element. May be.

  The input device may further include a support member that integrally supports the transmission member and the optical sensor.

  Thereby, the level of the light reflected by the surface of a transmissive member can be stabilized. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light receiving element from detecting light even though the user's finger is not present in the detection region.

  In the input device, the optical sensor may be resin-sealed with the transmissive member.

  Thereby, since the reflective surface of a transmissive member can be reduced, the level of the light reflected by the transmissive member can be stabilized.

  In the input device, the support member is provided on the holding base between the light emitting element and the light receiving element so as to abut on the transmission member and a holding base that holds the light emitting element and the light receiving element. And a light shielding member that shields the light from the light emitting element.

  In the present invention, it is possible to prevent the light receiving element from directly receiving the light emitted from the light emitting element by the light shielding member. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the light receiving element from receiving the light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected by the transmitting member.

  A control device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a housing, a motion sensor that detects a motion of the housing and outputs a motion signal according to the motion of the housing, and a detection region, and the detection device Information on the motion signal output from an input device having a sensor for detecting whether or not the user's body is present in the area, and a pointer on the screen according to presence information indicating that the body is present A control device for controlling display of movement, comprising: a receiving means for receiving the information of the motion signal and the presence information; and a control signal corresponding to the motion signal for moving the pointer on the screen. Output means for outputting, display control means for controlling display of movement of the pointer on the screen in accordance with the control signal, and switching the start and stop of movement of the pointer in accordance with the presence information control And an output control means for controlling the output of No..

  A control system according to still another aspect of the present invention is a control system that controls the movement of a pointer on a screen, detects a movement of the casing, and the movement according to the movement of the casing. A motion sensor for outputting a signal; command output means for outputting a movement command corresponding to the motion signal for moving the pointer on the screen; and a detection area, and a user's body in the detection area A sensor for detecting whether or not the user's body is present in the detection area by the sensor, and for switching the start and stop of the movement of the pointer, An input device having an output control means for controlling output, a receiving means for receiving the movement command, and a pointer movement display on the screen in response to the movement command. And a control device having a display control means for.

  A control system according to still another aspect of the present invention is a control system that controls the movement of a pointer on a screen, detects a movement of the casing, and the movement according to the movement of the casing. A motion sensor that outputs a signal; a sensor having a detection area; detecting whether or not a user's body is present in the detection area; information on the motion signal; and presence indicating that the body is present Transmitting means for transmitting information, receiving means for receiving the information of the motion signal and the presence information, and output means for outputting a control signal corresponding to the motion signal for moving the pointer on the screen Display control means for controlling the display of the movement of the pointer on the screen according to the control signal, and the control signal for switching the start and stop of the movement of the pointer according to the presence information. And an output control means for controlling the force.

  A control method according to another aspect of the present invention outputs a motion signal corresponding to the movement of the housing by detecting the motion of the housing, and moves the pointer on the screen according to the motion signal. The movement command is output, and it is detected whether or not the user's body is present in the detection area, and when it is detected that the user's body is present in the detection area, the start of movement of the pointer and In order to switch the stop, the output of the movement command is controlled.

A switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cover, a sensor module, a support, and an absorption region.
The cover is provided such that a force can be applied by a user directly or indirectly contacting the cover.
The sensor module body has a detection region on the cover, and optically detects the user's body.
The support supports the cover and the sensor module body.
The absorption region is provided between the cover and the sensor module body and absorbs the force.

  Since the absorption region is provided between the cover and the sensor module body, it is possible to eliminate the concern that the sensor module body is damaged even if a force is applied by the user.

  A force may be directly applied to the cover by the user touching the cover. Alternatively, when the user touches another member provided on the cover, a force may be indirectly applied to the cover via the other member. Moreover, the force by a user's contact may also include the pressing force when a user intentionally pushes a cover.

  It is only necessary that part or all of the cover is made of a material having a light transmission property in a wavelength region emitted from the light emitting element of the sensor module body.

  The absorption region may have a space. That is, a part or all of the absorption region between the cover and the sensor module body is configured by a space, so that the absorption region can absorb the force of the user.

  The absorption region may include an elastic material. The elastic material should just be provided in part or all of the absorption area | region.

  The sensor module body may include a light emitting element and a light receiving element that receives light emitted from the light emitting element. In this case, the switch module may further include a reflection suppressing unit that suppresses the reflected light generated when the light from the light emitting element is reflected by the cover from entering the light receiving element. If there is no reflection suppression means, the light from the light emitting element is reflected by the cover, so that the reflected light may enter the light receiving element, and erroneous detection may occur. Detection can be prevented.

  The reflection suppressing unit may include an elastic material provided in the absorption region. That is, the elastic material may have a function of suppressing the reflection and a function of absorbing force in the absorption region. Accordingly, the detection accuracy of the user's body by the light receiving element can be improved without providing a separate member, the sensor module body can be prevented from being damaged, and the switch module can be downsized.

  For example, when the sensor module body has a wall member provided between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, the elastic material may be provided so as to extend from the wall member. As described above, since the elastic material is provided on the extension of the wall member, the reflected light cannot reach the light receiving element as compared with the case where the elastic material is provided in substantially all of the absorption region.

  Even when the elastic material is provided in substantially all of the absorption region, reflection can be suppressed. In this case, if the refractive index of the light in the medium that is the optical path of the light emitted from the light emitting element of the sensor module body and the refractive index of the light of the elastic material are substantially the same or close to each other, Generation of reflected light can be effectively prevented.

  The reflection suppressing means may include an antireflection film provided on the cover.

  The reflection suppressing means may include a protrusion provided integrally with the cover on the side of the cover where the absorption region is provided. The protrusion may have a lens shape or other shapes. In the case of a lens shape, the projection part not only suppresses reflection but also can efficiently collect the reflected light from the user's body among the light from the light emitting element to the light receiving element.

  The sensor module body may include a light emitting element, a light receiving element that receives light emitted from the light emitting element, and an arrangement surface that includes a surface on which the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged. In that case, the cover may have a transmission opening surface provided on the detection region side, which is narrower than the arrangement surface and transmits the light emitted from the light emitting element. Thereby, the disturbance light which injects into a sensor module body from a cover can be reduced, and the erroneous detection of a sensor module body can be prevented.

  The sensor module body may include a light emitting element, a light receiving element that receives light emitted from the light emitting element, and a wall member provided between the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

  The cover is a surface provided on the side receiving the force, and includes a bottom portion including a transmission opening surface through which light can be transmitted by the sensor module body, and a wall portion having a height higher than the bottom portion. It may have a concave surface. If the user's body is fitted in the concave shape, the wall portion blocks disturbance light, so that the disturbance light can be prevented from entering the sensor module body through the transmission opening surface. In this case, when the user applies a force to the cover, the concave surface has a function of guiding the user's body to a certain position on the transmission opening surface. The position of the cover can be recognized.

  When the sensor module body includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element that receives light emitted from the light emitting element, the switch module includes a wavelength of the light emitted by the light emitting element among light received by the light receiving element. A wavelength selection region that selectively transmits light belonging to the region may be further provided. Thereby, since the light receiving element can appropriately detect the light emitted from the light emitting element, it is possible to effectively reduce the influence of disturbance light.

  Each of the switch modules described above further includes an elastic support that elastically supports the switch module, and a push-type switch that can be switched ON / OFF by the force applied to the cover and the elastic force of the elastic support. May be.

A handheld device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a display unit, a movement command output unit, a first switch, and a control unit.
The sensor detects the movement of the casing and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the movement of the casing.
The movement command output means outputs a movement command for moving the pointer on the screen displayed on the display unit in accordance with the detection signal.
The first switch switches ON / OFF according to an operation input to the handheld device.
The control means controls the display position of the pointer on the screen in accordance with a movement command, and switches the movement command in order to switch start and stop of movement of the pointer in response to switching of the first switch. Control the output.

A handheld device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a display unit, a motion sensor, command output means, and control means.
The motion sensor detects the movement of the casing and outputs a motion signal corresponding to the movement of the casing.
The command output means outputs a movement command corresponding to the motion signal for moving the pointer on the screen displayed on the display unit.
The sensor has a detection area, and detects whether or not a user's body is present in the detection area.

  The control means controls the display position of the pointer on the screen according to the movement command, and when the sensor detects that the user's body is present in the detection area, the control means The output of the movement command is controlled to switch the movement start and stop.

  As described above, according to each aspect of the present invention, even when the input device is moving, the movement of the pointer on the screen can be regulated by the user's operation.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control system 100 includes a display device 5, a control device 40 and an input device 1.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the input device 1. The input device 1 is large enough to be held by a user. The input device 1 includes a housing 10 and an operation unit 23 such as two push-type buttons 11 and 12 and a rotary-type wheel button 13 provided on the top of the housing 10. A button 11 (hereinafter referred to as an operation button 11) provided from the upper center of the housing 10 has a function of a left button of a mouse as an input device used in a PC, for example, and is adjacent to the operation button 11. The adjacent button 12 has a right button function.

  For example, “drag and drop” in which the icon 4 is moved by moving the input device 1 by long pressing the operation button 11, an operation for opening a file by double-clicking the operation button 11, and the screen 3 by the wheel button 13 (see FIG. 5) The scroll operation may be performed. An icon is an image of the function of a program on a computer, an execution command, or the contents of a file on the screen 3. The arrangement of the operation button 11, the adjacent button 12, and the wheel button 13, the contents of the issued command, and the like can be changed as appropriate.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an internal configuration of the input device 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the input device 1.

  The input device 1 includes a sensor unit 17, a control unit 30, and a battery 14.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the sensor unit 17. The sensor unit 17 is a sensor that detects the movement of the housing 10, that is, the movement of the input device 1. The sensor unit 17 includes an acceleration sensor unit 16 that detects acceleration along two mutually different angles, for example, two orthogonal axes (X axis and Y axis). That is, the acceleration sensor unit 16 includes two sensors, a first acceleration sensor 161 and a second acceleration sensor 162. The sensor unit 17 includes an angular velocity sensor unit 15 that detects angular acceleration around the two orthogonal axes. That is, the angular velocity sensor unit 15 includes two sensors, a first angular velocity sensor 151 and a second angular velocity sensor 152. These acceleration sensor unit 16 and angular velocity sensor unit 15 are packaged and mounted on a circuit board 25.

  As the first and second angular velocity sensors 151 and 152, vibration type gyro sensors that detect Coriolis force proportional to the angular velocity are used. The first and second acceleration sensors 161 and 162 may be any type of sensor such as a piezoresistive type, a piezoelectric type, or a capacitance type.

  In the description of FIGS. 2 and 3, for convenience, the longitudinal direction of the housing 10 is the Z ′ direction, the thickness direction of the housing 10 is the X ′ direction, and the width direction of the housing 10 is the Y ′ direction. In this case, the sensor unit 17 is built in the housing 10 so that the surface of the circuit board 25 on which the acceleration sensor unit 16 and the angular velocity sensor unit 15 are mounted is substantially parallel to the X′-Y ′ plane. The As described above, both sensor units 16 and 15 detect physical quantities related to the X axis and the Y axis. Hereinafter, a coordinate system that moves together with the input device 1, that is, a coordinate system fixed to the input device 1, is represented by an X ′ axis, a Y ′ axis, and a Z ′ axis. On the other hand, a coordinate system on a stationary earth, that is, an inertial coordinate system is represented by an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis. In the following description, regarding the movement of the input device 1, the direction of rotation around the X ′ axis is referred to as the pitch direction, the direction of rotation around the Y ′ axis is referred to as the yaw direction, and the Z ′ axis (roll axis) direction. The direction of rotation around is sometimes referred to as the roll direction.

  The control unit 30 includes a main board 18, an MPU 19 (micro processing unit) (or CPU) mounted on the main board 18, a crystal oscillator 20, a transmitter 21, and an antenna 22 printed on the main board 18.

  The MPU 19 incorporates necessary volatile and nonvolatile memories. The MPU 19 inputs a detection signal from the sensor unit 17, an operation signal from the operation unit 23, and the like, and performs various arithmetic processes in order to generate a predetermined control signal (command) corresponding to these input signals.

  The transmitter 21 transmits the command generated by the MPU 19 as a radio signal (for example, an RF radio signal) to the control device 40 via the antenna 22.

  The crystal oscillator 20 generates a reference pulse and supplies it to the MPU 19. The MPU 19 can generate clocks with various frequencies based on the reference pulse. As the battery 14, a dry battery or a rechargeable battery is used.

  The control device 40 is a computer and includes an MPU 35 (or CPU), a display control unit 42, a RAM 36, a ROM 37, a video RAM 41, an antenna 39, a receiver 38, and the like.

  The receiver 38 receives the control signal transmitted from the input device 1 via the antenna 39. The MPU 35 analyzes the control signal and performs various arithmetic processes. The display control unit 42 mainly generates screen data to be displayed on the screen 3 of the display device 5 in accordance with the control of the MPU 35. The video RAM 41 serves as a work area for the display control unit 42 and temporarily stores the generated screen data.

  The control device 40 may be a device dedicated to the input device 1, but may be a PC or the like. The control device 40 is not limited to a PC, and may be a computer integrated with the display device 5, or may be an audio / visual device, a projector, a game device, a car navigation device, or the like.

  Examples of the display device 5 include a liquid crystal display and an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, but are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the display device 5 may be a device integrated with a display capable of receiving a television broadcast or the like.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the screen 3 displayed on the display device 5. On the screen 3, a UI such as an icon 4 and a pointer 2 are displayed. The horizontal direction on the screen 3 is the X-axis direction, and the vertical direction is the Y-axis direction.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where the user holds the input device 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the input device 1 includes, as the operation unit 23, in addition to the operation button 11, the adjacent button 12, and the wheel button 13, for example, various buttons 29 such as those provided on a remote controller for operating a television or the like. A power button 28 or the like may be provided. In this way, when the user holds the input device 1, the input device 1 is moved in the air or the operation unit 23 is operated, whereby a command signal generated thereby is output to the control device 40. 40 controls the UI.

  The MPU 19 of the input device 1 typically uses the movement command corresponding to the displacement amount of the pointer 2 on the screen 3 according to the detection signal from the sensor unit 17 as the command, and the user via the operation unit 23. An operation command corresponding to the operation input is generated (movement command output means, determination command output means).

  The operation signal input by the user via the operation unit 23 is an input signal other than the detection signal of the sensor unit 17 that is a signal generated by the movement of the input device 1 (housing 10), that is, an operation that does not depend on the movement of the input device 1. Signal.

  FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C are schematic views showing the configuration of the operation button 11.

  The operation button 11 which is a part of the operation unit 23 is a button having a two-step action. The operation button 11 includes, for example, a movement button 7 (first button), a determination button 8 (second button) provided physically separated from the movement button 7, the movement button 7 and the determination button 8. It has a surface button 6 that can be continuously pressed. The movement button 7 has a switch (first switch) (not shown) inside, and the decision button 8 also has a switch (second switch) (not shown) inside. When the movement button 7 is pressed, the switch is turned on and an operation signal (first operation signal) is input. When the determination button 8 is pressed, the switch is electrically turned on, and the operation signal (second operation signal) is input.

  The switches of the movement button 7 and the determination button 8 are electrically connected to the main board 18. The MPU 19 outputs a control signal for switching the start and stop of the movement of the pointer 2 in accordance with the switch of the movement button 7. The decision button 8 has the function of a right mouse button as described above, for example. When the determination button 8 is pressed and the switch is turned on, the MPU 19 outputs a determination command (part of the operation command).

  The determination command is a command for executing a predetermined process for the icon 4 on the screen 3, for example, and is typically a command for selecting the UI. However, the function of the determination button 8 is not limited to this, and various functions are appropriately set by an application program operating on the control device 40.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a state where the operation button 11 is not pressed by the user. The front button 6 is connected to a shaft 9 provided in the housing 10 and is connected to the housing through a spring 24 at the opposite end. When the surface of the surface button 6 is pressed by the user's finger 34, the surface button 6 rotates against the spring force of the spring 24 about the shaft 9. The movement button 7 and the determination button 8 are push type buttons. On the back surface of the front button 6, there are provided protrusions 6a and 6b that can press the movement button 7 and the determination button 8, respectively.

  The movement button 7 and the determination button 8 are arranged in the housing 10, for example. When the front button 6 is pushed by a predetermined distance (first distance) (see FIG. 7B), the movement button 7 is pushed by the protrusion 6a, and then the front button 6 is further pushed by a predetermined distance (second When the distance is pressed (see FIG. 7C), the determination button 8 is pressed by the protrusion 6b. FIG. 7B shows a state where the move button 7 is pressed and the enter button 8 is not pressed. FIG. 7C shows a state where both the move button 7 and the enter button 8 are pressed.

  When the pressed front button 6 is released, the front button 6 moves in the order of FIG. 7 (C) → FIG. 7 (B) → FIG. 7 (A) by the return force of the spring 24. In the order of 7, those pressed states are released.

  The first distance and the second distance may be the same or different, and can be set as appropriate. Necessary force when shifting from the state shown in FIG. 7 (A) to the state shown in FIG. 7 (B) and necessary when shifting from the state shown in FIG. 7 (B) to the state shown in FIG. 7 (C). The forces may be the same or different.

  With the operation button 11 as described above, so-called half-pressing in which the movement button 7 is pressed and the determination button 8 is not pressed (FIG. 7B) can be maintained. When the user moves the input device 1 while the operation button 11 is half-pressed, the control device 40 controls the display so as to move the pointer 2 to a desired position.

  Next, a typical example of how to move the input device 1 and the movement of the pointer 2 on the screen 3 due to this will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram thereof.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in a state where the user holds the input device 1, the side on which the buttons 11 and 12 of the input device 1 are arranged is directed to the display device 5 side. The user holds the input device 1 with the thumb up and the child finger down, in other words, in a state of shaking hands. In this state, the circuit board 25 (see FIG. 9) of the sensor unit 17 is nearly parallel to the screen 3 of the display device 5, and the two axes that are the detection axes of the sensor unit 17 are horizontal axes on the screen 3. It corresponds to the (X axis) and the vertical axis (Y axis). Hereinafter, the posture of the input device 1 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B is referred to as a basic posture.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, in the basic posture, the user moves the wrist or arm up and down or rotates around the X axis. At this time, the second acceleration sensor 162 detects the acceleration in the pitch direction (second acceleration), and the first angular velocity sensor 151 detects the angular velocity around the X axis (first angular velocity). Based on these detection values, the control device 40 controls the display of the pointer 2 so that the pointer 2 moves in the Y-axis direction.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, in the basic posture state, the user moves the wrist or arm in the left-right direction or rotates around the Y axis. At this time, the first acceleration sensor 161 detects acceleration in the yaw direction (first acceleration), and the second angular velocity sensor 152 detects angular velocity around the Y axis (second angular velocity). Based on these detection values, the control device 40 controls the display of the pointer 2 so that the pointer 2 moves in the X-axis direction.

  As will be described in detail later, in one embodiment, the MPU 19 of the input device 1 follows the program stored in the internal non-volatile memory, and the velocity in the yaw and pitch directions based on each detected value detected by the sensor unit 17. Calculate the value. Here, in order to control the movement of the pointer 2, a dimension of an integral value (speed) of biaxial acceleration values detected by the acceleration sensor unit 16 is used. Then, this speed dimension information is sent to the control device 40 as a movement command signal (see FIG. 12).

  In another embodiment, the input device 1 sends information on the dimensions of the physical quantity detected by the sensor unit 17 to the control device 40 as a movement command signal. In this case, the MPU 35 of the control device 40 calculates the velocity values in the X and Y axis directions based on the received movement command in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 37. The display control unit 42 displays the pointer 2 so as to move in accordance with the speed value (see FIG. 15).

  The control device 40 converts the displacement in the yaw direction per unit time of the input device 1 into the amount of displacement of the pointer 2 on the X axis on the screen 3, and the displacement in the pitch direction per unit time of the input device 1 is converted. The pointer 2 is moved by converting the amount of displacement of the pointer 2 on the Y axis on the screen 3. Typically, for example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the MPU 19 of the control device 40 sets the speed value supplied for each predetermined number of clocks to the speed value supplied for the (n−1) th time. The speed value supplied to is added. Thus, the velocity value supplied for the nth time corresponds to the displacement amount of the pointer 2, and the coordinate information on the screen 3 of the pointer 2 is generated.

  The acceleration value integration for calculating the speed value may be the same as the method for calculating the displacement amount.

  Next, the influence of gravity on the acceleration sensor unit 16 will be described. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining the above. FIG. 10 is a diagram of the input device 1 viewed in the Z direction, and FIG. 11 is a diagram of the input device 1 viewed in the X direction.

  In FIG. 10A, it is assumed that the input device 1 is in the basic posture and is stationary. At this time, the output of the first acceleration sensor 161 is substantially 0, and the output of the second acceleration sensor 162 is an output corresponding to the gravitational acceleration G. However, as shown in FIG. 10B, for example, when the input device 1 is tilted in the roll direction, the first and second acceleration sensors 161 and 162 indicate the acceleration values of the respective tilt components of the gravitational acceleration G. To detect.

  In this case, in particular, the first acceleration sensor 161 detects the acceleration in the yaw direction even though the input device 1 does not actually move in the yaw direction. In the state shown in FIG. 10B, when the input device 1 is in the basic posture as shown in FIG. 10C, the acceleration sensor unit 16 receives inertial forces Ix and Iy as indicated by broken arrows. This is equivalent to the state and is indistinguishable for the acceleration sensor unit 16. As a result, the acceleration sensor unit 16 determines that acceleration leftward as indicated by the arrow F has been applied to the input device 1 and outputs a detection signal different from the actual movement of the input device 1. Moreover, since the gravitational acceleration G always acts on the acceleration sensor unit 16, the integral value increases, and the amount by which the pointer 2 is displaced obliquely downward increases at an accelerated rate. When the state transitions from FIG. 10 (A) to FIG. 10 (B), it can be said that the operation that fits the user's intuition is to prevent the pointer 2 on the screen 3 from moving.

  For example, when the input device 1 rotates and tilts in the pitch direction as shown in FIG. 11B from the basic posture state of the input device 1 as shown in FIG. I can say that. In such a case, since the gravitational acceleration G detected by the second acceleration sensor 162 when the input device 1 is in the basic posture is decreased, the input device 1 has an upper pitch as shown in FIG. It cannot be distinguished from the inertial force I in the direction.

  In order to reduce the influence of gravity on the acceleration sensor unit 16 as much as possible, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment uses the angular velocity value detected by the angular velocity sensor unit 15 to determine the velocity value of the input device 1. Is calculated. Hereinafter, this operation will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation.

The input device 1 is powered on. For example, when the user turns on a power switch or the like provided in the input device 1 or the control device 40, the input device 1 is powered on. When the power is turned on, biaxial acceleration signals (first and second acceleration values a _x , a _y ) are output from the acceleration sensor unit 16 (step 101a) and supplied to the MPU 19. This acceleration signal is a signal corresponding to the posture of the input device 1 at the time when the power is turned on (hereinafter referred to as an initial posture).

  The initial posture may be the above basic posture. However, the posture in which all amounts of gravitational acceleration are detected in the X-axis direction, that is, the output of the first acceleration sensor 161 detects the acceleration value for the gravitational acceleration, and the output of the second acceleration sensor 162 is zero. In some cases. Of course, the initial posture may be a tilted posture as shown in FIG.

The MPU 19 of the input device 1 acquires acceleration signals (a _x , a _y ) from the acceleration sensor unit 16 every predetermined number of clocks. When the MPU 19 acquires the acceleration signal (a _x , a _y ) for the second time and thereafter, the MPU 19 performs the following calculation to remove the influence of gravity. In other words, the MPU 19 uses the current acceleration values a _x and a _y as shown in the following equations (1) and (2) to detect the gravitational acceleration component (first a) detected in the previous X-axis and Y-axis directions, respectively. _x (= a _refx), subtracted _{a y (= a refy))} , each of the first correction acceleration value a _corx, generates a second correction acceleration value a _cory (step 102a).

a _corx = a _x −a _refx (1)
a _cory = a _y −a _refy (2).

a _refx and a _refy are hereinafter _referred to as X-axis and Y-axis reference acceleration values (first reference acceleration value and second reference acceleration value), respectively. When the calculation in step 102a is performed for the first time after the power is turned on, a _refx and a _refy are the acceleration signals a _x and a _y detected immediately after the power is turned on.

The MPU 19 adds the first and second corrected acceleration values a _corx and a _cory as shown in the equations (3) and (4), that is, the first velocity value V _x , A second speed value _Vy is calculated (step 115).

V _x (t) = V _x (t-1) + a _corx (3)
V _y (t) = V _y (t-1) + a _cory (4)
V _x (t) and V _y (t) represent the current speed values, and V _x (t−1) and V _y (t−1) represent the previous speed values.

On the other hand, as described above, when the input device 1 is powered on, the angular velocity sensor unit 15 outputs biaxial angular velocity signals (first and second angular velocity values ω _x , ω _y ) (step 101b). This is supplied to the MPU 19. When acquiring this, the MPU 19 calculates respective angular acceleration values (first angular acceleration value Δω _x , second angular acceleration value Δω _y ) by differential calculation (step 102 b).

The MPU 19 determines whether or not the absolute values | Δω _y | and | Δω _x | of the Δω _x and Δω _y are smaller than the threshold Th1 (steps 103 and 106). When | Δω _y | ≧ Th1, the MPU 19 uses the first reference acceleration value a _refx as it is and does not update it (step 104). Similarly, if | Δω _x | ≧ Th1, the MPU 19 uses the second reference acceleration value a _refy as it is and does not update it (step 107).

  A value close to 0 is set as the threshold Th1. As the threshold value Th1, an angular velocity value that is detected due to a user's camera shake, a DC offset, or the like even though the user intentionally stops the input device 1 is considered. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the pointer 2 from moving and being displayed due to the camera shake or the DC offset when the user intentionally stops the input device 1.

  The reason for processing as described above is as follows.

FIG. 13 is a view of the user operating the input device 1 as seen from above. When the user operates the input device 1 naturally, the input device 1 is operated by at least one of the rotation of the base of the arm, the rotation of the elbow, and the rotation of the wrist. Therefore, if acceleration occurs, it is considered that angular acceleration also occurs. That is, the acceleration can be regarded as dependent on the angular acceleration in the same direction as the direction of the acceleration. Therefore, the MPU 19 determines whether or not to update the first reference acceleration value a _refx in the same direction by monitoring the second angular acceleration value | Δω _y |, and the result from the equation (1) Thus, it is possible to determine whether or not to calibrate the first corrected acceleration value a _corx . The same applies to the first angular acceleration value | Δω _x |.

More specifically, when the second angular acceleration value | Δω _y | is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th1, the MPU 19 determines that the input device 1 is moving in the yaw direction. In this case, the MPU 19 does not update the first reference acceleration value a _refx and, as a result, does not calibrate the first corrected acceleration value a _corx, and _performs the integration operation of Expression (3) based on the a _corx. to continue.

When the first angular acceleration value | Δω _x | is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th1, the MPU 19 determines that the input device 1 is moving in the pitch direction. In this case, the MPU 19 does not update the second reference acceleration value a _refy and, as a result, does not calibrate the second corrected acceleration value a _cory, and _performs the integration operation of the equation (4) based on the a _cory. to continue.

On the other hand, when the second angular acceleration value | Δω _y | is smaller than the threshold value Th1 in step 103, the MPU 19 determines that the input apparatus 1 is stationary in the yaw direction. In this case, the MPU 19 calibrates the first corrected acceleration value a _{corx according} to the equation (1) by updating the first reference acceleration value a _refx to the current (latest) detected value a _x (Step 1). 105). Since the latest detected value a _x is a detected value when the input device 1 is substantially stationary, this is a component value due to gravitational acceleration.

Similarly, when the first angular acceleration value | Δω _x | is smaller than the threshold value Th1 in step 106, the MPU 19 determines that the input device 1 is stationary in the pitch direction. In this case, the MPU 19 calibrates the second corrected acceleration value a _cory by the equation (2) by updating the second reference acceleration value a _refy to the current (latest) detected value a _y (step) 108).

  In the present embodiment, the threshold value is the same value Th1 in both the yaw direction and the pitch direction, but different threshold values may be used in both directions.

In the above, the angular acceleration values Δω _x and Δω _y are monitored, but the MPU 19 further corrects the velocity values calculated by the equations (3) and (4) by monitoring the angular velocity values ω _x and ω _y. It is also possible to do. According to the concept of FIG. 13, if a speed is generated, it is considered that an angular speed is also generated, and the speed can be regarded as subordinate to an angular speed in the same direction as the speed direction.

Specifically, when the absolute value | ω _y | of the second angular velocity value is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th2 (NO in step 109), the MPU 19 determines that the input device 1 is moving in the yaw direction. In this case, MPU 19 does not correct the first velocity value V _x (Step 110). The same applies to the absolute value | ω _x | of the first angular velocity value (NO in step 112, step 113).

  The threshold value Th2 may be set for the purpose of setting the threshold value Th1.

On the other hand, when the absolute value | ω _y | of the second angular velocity value is smaller than the threshold value Th2 (YES in Step 109), the MPU 19 determines that the input device 1 is stationary in the yaw direction. In this case, MPU 19 has a first velocity value V _x is corrected, it is reset for example to zero (step 111). The same applies to the absolute value | ω _x | of the first angular velocity value (YES in step 112, step 114).

As described above, the MPU 19 outputs the velocity values V _x and V _y in both directions, and the transmitter 21 outputs the input information relating to these velocity values to the control device 40 (step 116).

The MPU 35 of the control device 40 inputs speed values V _x and V _y that are input information (step 117). The MPU 35 generates the coordinate values X and Y of the pointer 2 corresponding to the velocity values V _x and V _y shown in the following formulas (5) and (6) (step 118). The display control unit 42 controls the display so that the pointer 2 moves to the position of the coordinate values X and Y on the screen 3 (step 119) (display control means).

X (t) = X (t-1) + V _x (5)
Y (t) = Y (t -1) + V y ··· (6).

As described above, when the input device 1 is almost stationary, the reference acceleration values a _refx and a _refy are updated and the corrected acceleration values a _corx and a _cory are calibrated, so that the influence of gravity on the acceleration sensor unit 16 is suppressed. be able to. Further, when the reference acceleration values a _refx and a _refy are updated, the acceleration values a _corx and a _cory are corrected from the equations (1) and (2), so that the DC level is also corrected and the problem of the DC offset is solved. Is done. Further, since the speed value is corrected so as to be reset to zero when the input device 1 is almost stationary, an integration error can be suppressed. When an integration error occurs, a phenomenon occurs in which the pointer 2 moves on the screen 3 even though the user stops moving the input device 1.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first reference acceleration value a _refx and the second reference acceleration value a _refy are individually updated, so that only one angular acceleration value in the yaw and pitch directions, for example, is a threshold value. If it becomes smaller, the calibration is performed. Therefore, the first reference acceleration value a _refx or the second reference acceleration value a _refy can be updated at a practically short time interval. Correction of the first velocity value V _x and second velocity value V _y is same holds true for be performed individually. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining this easily.

FIG. 14 shows the trajectory of the input device 1 as viewed in the X-axis and Y-axis planes. If the angular velocity value ω _y in the yaw direction is almost zero (smaller than the threshold value Th2), V _x is reset to zero. If the angular velocity value ω _x in the pitch direction is almost zero (smaller than the threshold Th2), V _y is reset to zero.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing another embodiment described above. In this flowchart, the input device 1 outputs the biaxial acceleration signal and the biaxial angular velocity signal output from the sensor unit 17 to the control device 40 as input information. In steps 204 to 218, the MPU 35 of the control device 40 executes steps 102a and 102b to 115 shown in FIG. Details are the same as in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the input device 1 when the operation button 11 shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C is pressed will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation.

  In a state where the first operation signal is not input by the user via the movement button 7 of the operation button 11 (NO in step 401), the MPU 19 has stopped outputting the movement command, or the displacement of the pointer 2 A movement command for setting the amount to zero is output (step 402) (output control means). That is, even if the user moves with the input device 1, the pointer 2 does not move on the screen 3. Thereby, the movement of the pointer 2 which a user does not intend can be controlled.

  When the movement button 7 is pressed (YES in step 401), that is, when the first operation signal is input through the first switch, the MPU 19 starts outputting the movement command (step 403) (output control). means). The control device 40 controls the display of the pointer 2 so as to start the movement of the pointer 2 according to the movement command by receiving the movement command.

  When the determination button 8 is pressed while the movement button 7 is pressed (YES in step 404), that is, when an operation input is made via the second switch, the MPU 19 outputs a determination command and performs control. The apparatus 40 receives this and executes a predetermined process. For example, if the position of the pointer 2 on the screen 3 when the determination button 8 is pressed is on the icon 4, the MPU 35 of the control device 40 executes processing for selecting the icon 4 or sets the icon 4 on the icon 4. Start the corresponding application program. If the position of the pointer 2 when the determination button 8 is pressed is not on the icon 4, the control device 40 executes another predetermined process (step 405).

  If the enter button 8 is pressed in step 404 and then the enter button 8 is released and the enter button 8 is pressed again within a predetermined time, the MPU 19 or MPU 35 executes a process corresponding to the double click. Alternatively, if the state where the determination button 8 is pressed in step 404 is maintained, a drag operation is possible.

  In the present embodiment, when the movement button 7 is pressed by the user and the first operation signal is input, the determination command is output by pressing the determination button 8 and inputting the second operation signal. Is done. As a result, the pointer can be moved when the move button 7 is pressed, and subsequently, the determination command can be output when the determination button 8 is pressed, so that the user can operate intuitively.

  In particular, since the user can perform the above-described continuous operation by pressing one surface button 6 of the operation button 11, it is possible to improve intuition.

  Next, an operation according to another embodiment when the operation button 11 of the input device is operated, particularly when the determination button 8 is operated will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation.

  FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of the input device 1 for realizing the operation shown in FIG. The frequency divider 44 generates a clock pulse having a predetermined frequency based on the pulse supplied from the crystal oscillator 20. The counter 45 counts clock pulses generated by the frequency divider 44. In the count value setting unit 46, for example, a predetermined number of count values are set, and the count values are stored. The control unit 47 compares the count value supplied from the counter with the count value supplied from the count value setting unit 46, and executes processing to be described later based on the comparison result.

  The MPU 19 has blocks such as the frequency divider 44, the counter 45, the count value setting unit 46, and the control unit 47, for example.

  There are, for example, two types of count values set by the count value setting unit 46. One is the time after the user presses the enter button 8 of the operation button 11, that is, the time after the input of the second operation signal is started, and the MPU 19 moves the pointer 2 on the screen 3. This is a count value corresponding to a time (first time) during which generation or transmission of a movement command is stopped.

  The other is the time after the decision button 8 pressed by the user is released, that is, the time after the second operation signal input is released, and the MPU 19 stops generating or transmitting the movement command. This is a count value corresponding to time (second time). Hereinafter, the count value corresponding to the first time is referred to as a first count value, and the count value corresponding to the second time is referred to as a second count value.

  The first time and the second time may be the same or different. Typically, the first and second times are 0.1 to 0.3 seconds, but are not limited thereto. At least one of the first time and the second time may be customized by the user.

Instead of stopping the generation or transmission of the movement command, the MPU 19 sets the displacement amount of the pointer 2 on the screen 3 to zero, that is, the velocity value (V _x (t), V _y (t)) = ( The movement command signal reset to 0,0) may be output.

  In general, in a PC, an operation command is executed with a trigger of release of an operation signal input by a user via a mouse button, that is, a released button is released. Often.

  Referring to FIG. 17, in steps 301 to 304, MPU 19 executes the same processing as steps 401 to 404 shown in FIG. 15.

  When the determination button 8 is pressed by the user (YES in step 304), the control unit 47 turns on the timer (step 305) and starts counting up by the counter 45. Then, the MPU 19 stops the output of the movement command (Step 306). Alternatively, the MPU 19 continues to output a movement command for setting the displacement amount of the pointer 2 to zero within the first time. (Move command control means).

  The control unit 47 compares the first count value set by the count value setting unit 46 with the count value supplied from the counter 45 (step 307). That is, if both count values match, the first time ends, so the control unit 47 ends the timer. If the two count values are different, the controller 47 continues to operate the timer and proceeds to the next step 308. In step 308, the MPU 19 monitors whether or not the pressed decision button 8 has been released, that is, whether or not the input of the second operation signal has been released. If the pressed decision button 8 has not been released, the MPU 19 increments the count value by 1 (step 309) and returns to step 306.

  As described above, the MPU 19 stops generating or transmitting the movement command while the timer is continuously operated, that is, until the count value supplied from the counter 45 matches the first count value. Alternatively, as described above, the MPU 19 may continue to output a movement command for setting the displacement amount of the pointer 2 on the screen 3 to zero within the first time. By such processing, even when the casing 10 moves when the user inputs an operation signal via the enter button 8 and the movement is detected by the sensor unit 17, the movement of the pointer 2 on the screen 3 is restricted. Is done. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operation of the pointer 2 and the icon 4 which are not intended by the user. Typically, the user can easily perform a double-click operation.

  When the timer has expired (YES in step 307), the MPU 19 generates or transmits a movement command (step 310). In this case, the pointer 2 moves on the screen 3 according to the movement of the input device 1. In step 310, the input of the second operation signal has not yet been released, and the user is moving the input device 1 while keeping the state where the determination button 8 is pressed.

  Even when the timer is operating, when the input of the second operation signal is canceled (YES in Step 308), the MPU 19 generates or transmits a movement command (Step 311), similarly to Step 310. .

  From the state of step 310, the MPU 19 monitors whether or not the pressed enter button 8 has been released, that is, monitors whether or not the input of the second operation signal has been released (step 312). When cancelled, the control unit 47 turns on the timer again (step 313) and starts counting up by the counter 45. Then, the MPU 19 stops the output of the movement command (Step 314). Alternatively, the MPU 19 continues to output a movement command for setting the displacement amount of the pointer 2 to zero within the second time.

  When the second count value set by the count value setting unit 46 matches the count value supplied from the counter 45 (YES in step 315), the control unit 47 ends the timer and sets the second time finish. When the second time ends, the MPU 19 outputs a movement command (step 311), and the pointer 2 moves. By such processing, even when the user presses the release button 8 and releases it, the housing 10 moves and the movement of the pointer 2 on the screen 3 is restricted even if the movement is detected by the sensor unit 17. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operation of the pointer 2 and the icon 4 which are not intended by the user. Typically, the user can easily perform a drag operation.

  If the timer has not yet ended (NO in step 315), that is, if both count values are different, the MPU 19 continues to operate the timer and proceeds to the next step 316. In step 316, the MPU 19 monitors whether the released decision button 8 has been pressed again, that is, whether the input of the second operation signal has been started again. If the enter button 8 has not been pressed, the MPU 19 increments the count value by 1 (step 317) and returns to step 314.

  Even when the timer is operating, when the input of the second operation signal is started (YES in step 316), the MPU 19 returns to step 305 and starts the timer. Thereby, the user can control the pointer 2 and the icon 4 without a sense of incongruity.

  Here, in FIG. 17, after the input of the second operation signal is canceled in Step 308, the control unit 47 starts the timer again by resetting the timer, as shown by the broken line, and the processing after Step 313 is performed. You may proceed to. Thereby, the user can control the pointer 2 and the icon 4 without a sense of incongruity.

  The process shown in FIG. 17 may be executed by the control device 40 in the same manner as the purpose of FIG. In this case, the control device 40 receives the acceleration signal and the angular velocity signal transmitted from the input device 1 (receiving means), and receives the operation signal input via the operation unit 23. And the control apparatus 40 produces | generates corresponding signals, such as a speed value and a coordinate value corresponding to the displacement amount of the pointer 2, according to those detection signals, and uses it as the operation signal input by the user via the operation part 23. A corresponding control signal is generated.

  The control signal generated by the control device 40 is a control signal for executing various predetermined processes according to the operation signal of the operation unit 23 of the input device 1. Taking the determination button 8 of the operation button 11 as an example, the control signal is a determination command corresponding to the second operation signal input through the determination button 8.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation of the input device 1 according to still another embodiment. In the description of FIG. 19, points different from FIG. 16 will be mainly described.

  When the movement button 7 of the operation button 11 is not pressed by the user (NO in Step 501), the MPU 19 outputs a movement command (Step 502). When the movement button 7 is pressed and the first operation signal is input (YES in step 501), the MPU 19 stops outputting the movement command or outputs a movement command for setting the displacement amount of the pointer 2 to zero. (Step 503). That is, even if the user moves with the input device 1, the pointer 2 does not move on the screen 3. In steps 504 and 505, the MPU 19 executes the same process as in step 404.

  Alternatively, when step 504 is executed, the MPU 19 may start outputting a movement command as in step 502 and then execute a predetermined process as in step 505. Thereby, a drag operation is possible. Or MPU19 may perform the process after step 305 shown in FIG. 17 after step 504 is performed.

  Since the pointer 2 is controlled so as not to move from the time when the movement button 7 is pressed, the processing after 306 shown in FIG. 17 may not be executed after step 504. However, even if the input of the first operation signal by the movement button 7 is canceled within the first time after the second operation signal by the decision button 8 is input, the MPU 19 does not have the first operation signal. Control may be performed so as to stop the movement of the pointer within the time of.

  The process shown in FIG. 19 may be mainly executed by the control device 40 as in the case of FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an operation of the input device 1 according to still another embodiment. In the description of FIG. 20, the difference from FIG. 17 will be mainly described.

  When the movement button 7 is pressed by the user (YES in step 601), the MPU 19 turns on the timer (step 602) and starts counting up by the counter 45. Then, the MPU 19 stops the output of the movement command (Step 603). Alternatively, the MPU 19 continues to output a movement command that sets the displacement amount of the pointer 2 to zero within the third time. The third time may be the same as or different from the first time or the second time, and is set as appropriate.

  The control unit 47 compares the third count value corresponding to the third time set by the count value setting unit 46 with the count value supplied from the counter 45 (step 604). If they match, the timer ends. If the two count values are different, the control unit 47 continues operating the timer and proceeds to the next step 605. In step 605, if the moved movement button 7 is released, the MPU 19 returns to step 601, and if not, the process proceeds to step 606.

  As described above, the MPU 19 stops generating or transmitting the movement command while the timer is continuously operated, that is, within the third time period, or sets the displacement amount of the pointer 2 on the screen 3 to zero. The movement command to be output continues to be output within the third time. By such processing, even when the case 10 moves and the movement is detected by the sensor unit 17 when the user inputs the first operation signal via the movement button 7, the movement of the pointer 2 on the screen 3 is detected. Movement is regulated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operation of the pointer 2 and the icon 4 which are not intended by the user.

  When the timer has expired (YES in step 604), the MPU 19 generates or transmits a movement command (step 614). In this case, the pointer 2 can move on the screen 3 according to the movement of the input device 1.

  In step 606, when the second operation signal is input by the user via the determination button 8, the MPU 19 executes the same processing as in steps 305 to 317 in steps 608 to 620. In step 606, when the second operation signal is not input via the determination button 8, the count value of the timer that has started operating from step 602 is incremented by 1 (step 607), and the process returns to step 603.

  In the present embodiment, when the user inputs operation continuously via the movement button 7 and the determination button 8, the user can operate the pointer or the like without a sense of incongruity. Typically, the user can perform a double-click operation or a drag operation without a sense of incongruity.

  FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an input device according to another embodiment. In the following description, the same members, functions, and the like included in the input device 1 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described briefly or omitted, and different points will be mainly described.

  This input device 91 is a pen-type device that is long in one direction. The input device 91 includes a housing 90, a sensor unit 17, a control unit 30, a battery 14, an operation unit 95, and the like. The sensor unit 17 is disposed, for example, at an end 90 a in the housing 90.

  The operation unit 95 typically includes a push unit 96 and a double action type push button 97 capable of two-stage switching by a user's linear push. The push unit 96 is a part that the user pushes using a finger. One end 96a of the push portion 96 is fixed to the housing 90, and the other end 96b is a free end, and has a spring shape. When the push portion 96 is pushed toward the housing 90, the protrusion 96 c provided on the push portion 96 pushes the push button 97. For example, the user can hold the housing 90 and move the housing 90 with the side of the housing 90 on which the sensor unit 17 is disposed facing the display device 5, and the push unit 96 can be moved with the thumb or index finger. Can be pressed.

  The push part 96 may have a structure having a function like a clip generally provided in a pen, but of course, the structure is not limited to such a structure.

  FIG. 22A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the push button 97. The push button 97 is connected to the main body 57 having the circuit board 64, the elastic body 52, and the stroke portion 53 on which the protrusion 96 c of the push portion 96 can abut, and the connection line provided on the stroke portion 53. 54, terminals 58A and 59A and terminals 58B and 59B provided on the circuit board 64. For example, a spring is used as the elastic member 52, but another member may be used.

  A member having a larger area than the distal end portion of the stroke portion 53 may be attached to the distal end portion of the stroke portion 53 so that the distal end portion of the stroke portion 53 can be easily pushed by the protrusion 96 c of the push portion 96.

  In the state shown in FIG. 22A, the stroke portion 53 is pushed down by a predetermined distance D1 against the spring force of the elastic member 52 as shown in FIG. Terminals 58A and 59A are connected by a line 54. As shown in FIG. 22C, when the stroke portion 53 is further pushed down against the spring force from the state shown in FIG. 22B, the connection state of the terminals 58A and 59A of the connection line 54 is maintained. The terminals 58B and 59B are connected by the connection line 54. In FIG. 22C, the distance pushed down from the initial position of the stroke part 53 is D2.

  That is, the connection line 54 and the terminals 58A and 59A constitute a first switch, and the connection line 54 and the terminals 58B and 59B constitute a second switch.

  The distance D1 and the distance D2-D1 may be the same or different. These values can be set as appropriate, and the force required for those strokes can also be set as appropriate.

  In addition to the push button 97, the operation unit 95 may be provided with operation buttons for issuing various operation commands shown in FIG.

  Also with the input device 91 having such a push button 97, the same processing as in FIGS. 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, and 20 can be executed, and the same operational effects can be obtained.

  Next, another embodiment of the input device will be described.

  FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the input device 51. FIG. 24 is a side view of the input device 51 as viewed from the wheel button 13 side. In the following description, the same members, functions, and the like included in the input device 51 according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

  The casing 50 of the input device 51 has a part of a spherical surface or a part of a quadratic curved surface 50 a provided at a predetermined position on the surface of the casing 50. Hereinafter, a part of the spherical surface or a part of the quadric surface (50a) is referred to as a “lower curved surface” (50a) for the sake of convenience.

  The position where the lower curved surface 50a is arranged is, for example, a position almost opposite to the buttons 11 and 12, and when the user grasps the input device 51, the child finger is the most of the lower curved surface 50a than the other fingers. The position is close to the position. Alternatively, in a case 50 having a long one direction (Z′-axis direction), the sensor unit 17 is arranged on the positive side of the Z′-axis from the center of the length of the case 50 in the Z′-axis direction. The lower curved surface 50a is located on the negative side of the Z ′ axis.

  The part of the spherical surface typically includes a substantially hemispherical surface, but does not necessarily have to be half. A quadric surface is a curved surface when a conic curve (secondary curve) drawn in two dimensions is expanded to three dimensions. Examples of the quadric surface include an ellipsoid, an elliptic paraboloid, and a hyperboloid.

  With such a shape of the casing 50 of the input device 51, the user places the lower curved surface 50a of the input device 51 on a contact object 49 such as a table, chair, floor, user's knee or thigh, It becomes easy to operate the input device 51 with the lower curved surface 50a as a fulcrum. In other words, even when the lower curved surface 50a of the input device 51 is in contact with the contact object 49, the user can easily tilt the input device 51 at any angle. Will be able to do. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a state where the user operates the lower curved surface 50a of the input device 51 by placing it on the knee.

  Alternatively, in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations due to hand tremors that cannot be suppressed by the camera shake correction circuit, or to prevent user fatigue when the user continues to operate the input device 51 in the air.

  FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing an input device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

  Similar to the input device 61 shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the housing 60 of the input device 61 has a lower curved surface 60a formed of a part of a spherical surface. A plane perpendicular to the maximum length direction (Z′-axis direction) of the casing 60 of the input device 61 and in contact with the lower curved surface 60a (hereinafter referred to as a lower end plane 55 for convenience) is an angular velocity sensor unit. 15 is a plane substantially parallel to a plane (XY plane) formed by the X axis and the Y axis (see FIG. 9) which are 15 detection axes.

  With such a configuration of the input device 61, when the user operates the lower curved surface 60 a against the lower end flat surface 55, the angular velocity applied to the input device 61 is input to the angular velocity sensor unit 15 as it is. Therefore, the amount of calculation in the process of obtaining the detection value from the detection signal from the angular velocity sensor unit 15 can be reduced.

  FIG. 27 is a front view showing an input device according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 is a side view showing the input device.

  The lower curved surface 70a of the casing 70 of the input device 71 is, for example, a part of a spherical surface. The lower curved surface 70a has a larger radius of curvature than the lower curved surfaces 50a and 60a of the input devices 51 and 61 shown in FIGS. In the angular velocity sensor unit 15, a straight line included in the XY plane constituted by the X axis and the Y axis that are detection axes of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 passes through the spherical surface when viewed in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. They are arranged at positions corresponding to the tangent lines of the virtually drawn circle 56. As long as these conditions are satisfied, the angular velocity sensor unit 15 is arranged with respect to the housing 70 so that the XY plane of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the input device 71 (see FIG. 27). May be.

  As a result, the vector direction of the angular velocity generated when the user operates the input device 71 with the lower curved surface 70a applied to the contact object 49 coincides with the detection direction of the angular velocity sensor unit 15, so that linear input is possible. It becomes.

  FIG. 29 is a front view showing an input device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

  The curvature radius of the spherical surface which is the lower curved surface 80a of the casing 80 of the input device 81 is set to be the same as or close to that shown in FIG. In the angular velocity sensor unit 15, a virtual straight line that passes through the intersection of two X-axis and Y-axis that is the center point of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and is orthogonal to the X-axis and Y-axis includes a lower curved surface 80 a. It passes through the center point O of the sphere 62. With such a configuration, the first sphere 62 including the lower curved surface 80a and the second sphere 63 whose tangent line is included in the XY plane of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 are concentric. Therefore, the input device 81 has the same effect as the effect of the input device 71 shown in FIG.

  In addition, regarding the input devices 51, 61, 71, or 81 that include a part of the spherical surface or a part of the quadric surface described above, the user does not necessarily place the lower curved surface 50 a, 60 a, 70 a, or 80 a on the contact object 49 You don't have to operate it, you can of course operate it in the air.

  Embodiments according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and other various embodiments are conceivable.

  In the above description, the push-type buttons 11 and 97 are given as examples of the configuration of the operation units 23 and 95 that realize the first switch and the second switch. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a slide type, a rotation type, a stick type operated using one end as a fulcrum, and the like are also conceivable. The same applies to each embodiment described later.

  In the above embodiment, the displacement amount of the pointer 2 is controlled based on the detection signal of the acceleration sensor unit 16, and the detection signal of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 plays an auxiliary role. However, the displacement amount of the pointer 2 may be controlled based on the detection signal of the angular velocity sensor unit 15. The same applies to each embodiment described later.

  In this case, for example, the input device 1 (or another input device 91 or the input device 200 described later) or the control device 40 acquires the amount of change in yaw angle and pitch angle for each unit time, that is, for each predetermined clock. can do. For example, the MPU 35 of the control device 40 generates a coordinate value on the screen 3 of the pointer 2 according to the obtained amount of change in the yaw angle and pitch angle per unit time. The display control unit 42 controls the display so that the pointer 2 moves on the screen 3. The change amount of the yaw angle corresponds to the displacement amount of the pointer 2 on the X axis, and the change amount of the pitch angle corresponds to the displacement amount of the pointer 2 on the Y axis.

  In this case, the MPU 35 obtains the amount of displacement per unit time on the screen 3 of the pointer 2 according to the amount of displacement of the yaw angle and pitch angle per unit time by calculation or by using a correspondence table stored in the ROM 37 in advance. That's fine.

  In the above embodiment, a biaxial acceleration sensor unit and a biaxial angular velocity sensor unit have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the input device 1 (or another input device 91 or an input device 200 described later) may include, for example, both an orthogonal three-axis acceleration sensor and an orthogonal three-axis angular velocity sensor. However, only one of them may be provided. Even with such a configuration, the processing shown in FIGS. 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, and 20 can be realized. The same applies to each embodiment described later. Alternatively, the input device 1 (or another input device 91, or an input device 200 described later) may include a uniaxial acceleration sensor or a uniaxial angular velocity sensor. When a single-axis acceleration sensor or a single-axis angular velocity sensor is provided, a screen is typically considered in which a plurality of UIs that are targets of pointing of the pointer 2 displayed on the screen 3 are arranged on one axis. It is done.

  Alternatively, the input device 1 (or another input device 91 or an input device 200 described later) may include a geomagnetic sensor, an image sensor, or the like instead of the acceleration sensor or the angular velocity sensor.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the second operation signal is switched ON / OFF by the determination button 8 in a state where the first operation signal by the movement button 7 is input has been described. Not limited to this, the second operation signal from the determination button 8 may be input in a state where the input of the first operation signal from the movement button 7 is released. That is, when the enter button 8 is turned on, the input of the first operation signal is canceled and the movement of the pointer 2 is restricted. As a result, although a drag operation cannot be performed, an operation according to the user's determination command can be reliably performed on the target icon 4, an erroneous operation can be prevented, and footwork can be reduced.

  In order to realize such a configuration, for example, referring to the schematic diagram of FIG. 30, it is only necessary that the connecting portion 154 having a vertical width smaller than the connecting wire 54 (see FIG. 22) is provided in the stroke portion 53. In this case, when the stroke portion 53 is pushed, the terminals 58A and 59A are connected by the connecting line 154 (see FIG. 30B), and when the stroke portion 53 is pushed further thereafter, the terminals 58A and 59A are connected. The connection is released. When the connection between the terminals 58A and 59A is released, the terminals 58B and 59B are connected through the connection line 154 (see FIG. 30C). Alternatively, in the example in which the two push buttons shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C are provided, the movement button 7 is pressed when the state transitions from FIG. 7B to FIG. 7C. Sometimes, an internal switch of the movement button 7 may be configured so that the input of the first operation signal is canceled.

  Next, still another embodiment of the input device will be described.

  In the following description, parts having functions similar to those of the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description is simplified or omitted. The present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiments in that the first switch that switches the output of the light reception signal according to the operation by the user is a sensor. In the following description, this point will be mainly described. Note that the sensor included in the input device according to the present embodiment is a member that switches a signal output in accordance with the operation of the operation unit by the user, and is included in a broad switch.

  FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing the input device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 31, the input device 200 includes a housing 210 having an upper housing 210a and a lower housing 210b, and an operation unit on which various buttons 211 to 214 arranged on the upper surface 210c of the housing 210 are mounted. 223. The casing 210 has a pen-type shape that is long in one direction, and is large enough to fit in the hand held by the user. The operation unit 223 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the enter button 211 disposed at the end of the upper surface 210c of the housing 210, the center button 212 disposed near the center of the upper surface 210c, the enter button 211, and the center button 212. Buttons 213 and 214 are included. Each of these buttons 211, 212, 213, 214 is a push type button.

  The decision button 211 typically has a function corresponding to the right button of the mouse, and the center button 212 has a function corresponding to the left button of the mouse. For example, an operation for selecting the icon 4 (see FIG. 5) when the determination button 211 is clicked and an operation for opening a file when the determination button 211 is double-clicked are executed on the screen 3. Details of the case where the enter button 211 is operated will be described later.

  The button 213 has, for example, a function as a feed button for advancing the image displayed on the screen 3 to the next image, and the button 214 returns the image displayed on the screen 3 to the previous image. It has a function as a button. The functions of the button 213 and the button 214 may be reversed.

  In addition to these buttons 211 to 214, for example, various buttons 29 as provided on a remote controller of a television, and an operation unit 223 such as a power button 28 may be provided (see FIG. 6). Alternatively, the buttons 212, 213, and 214 may have these functions.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating the operation unit 223, and FIG. 33 is a diagram of the operation unit 223 viewed from below. FIG. 34 is a view of the operation unit 223 disposed in the upper casing 210a of the input device 200 as viewed from below.

  As shown in these drawings, the operation unit 223 includes the buttons 211 to 214 and a plurality of switches 215a to 215d arranged in the pressing direction of the buttons. The decision button 211 and the center button 212 are connected via a leaf spring 241. One operation member 240 is formed by the determination button 211, the center button, and the leaf spring 241. The leaf spring 241 has a frame shape, for example.

  The leaf spring 241 includes a base 241c, a first leaf spring portion 241a, and a second leaf spring portion 241b. The first leaf spring portion 241a extends in a predetermined direction from the base portion 241c, and a determination button 211 is connected to an end portion on the opposite side of the base portion 241c. The second leaf spring portion 241b extends from the base portion 241c in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, and a central button 212 is connected to an end portion opposite to the base portion 241c. For example, the second leaf spring portion 241b includes a connection portion 241d that extends in the predetermined direction from the end opposite to the base portion 241c and elastically connects the end to the central button 212.

  The first leaf spring portion 241 a includes, for example, two frames 244, and buttons 213 and 214 are disposed between the two frames 244. The second leaf spring part 241 b has, for example, two frames 247 connected to the connection part 241 d at the end, and the central button 212 is disposed between the two frames 247.

  For example, holes 242a and 242b are provided in the base 241c. The operation member 240 is supported by the upper casing 210a by fitting screws, pins, and other connection members into the holes 242a and 242b.

  FIG. 32 shows an example in which the center button 212 is connected to the second leaf spring part 241b via the connection part 241d. The center button 212 may be directly connected to the frame 247 extending in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction extending from the base 241c. In this case, the length of the frame may be appropriately set in order to adjust the elastic force when the center button 212 is pressed. Similar to the second leaf spring portion 241b, the first leaf spring portion 241a has a connection portion extending from the end portion side of the first leaf spring portion 241a to the base portion 241c side. 211 may be connected.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the enter button and the center button respectively have protrusions 243a and 243b at the bottom. A flexible substrate 245 is connected to the lower part of the determination button 211. The flexible substrate 245 is a substrate that electrically connects an optical sensor 252 to be described later and the main substrate 246.

  FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the lower housing 210b and the main board 246, as seen from above.

  As shown in FIG. 35, the input device 200 has a main board 246 in a housing 210. On the main board 246, switches 215a to 215d constituting part of the operation unit 223 are arranged, and each switch is electrically connected to the main board 246. On the main board 246, the MPU 19, the crystal oscillator 20, the transmitter 21, the antenna 22, and the like are mounted (see FIG. 3).

  FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the input device 200.

  As shown in FIG. 36, the input device 200 includes a casing 210, an operation unit 223, a main board 246, a battery 14 such as a dry battery or a rechargeable battery, and a sensor unit 17 (motion sensor). The circuit board 25 of the sensor unit is connected to the main board 246 by a flexible conducting wire 248. The conducting wire 248 is formed of, for example, FFC (Flexible Flat Cable).

  The angular velocity sensor unit 15 is mounted on the front surface of the circuit board 25, and the acceleration sensor unit 16 is mounted on the back surface of the circuit board 25. The arrangement of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the acceleration sensor unit 16 may be reversed. Thus, in the present embodiment, the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the acceleration sensor unit 16 are separately mounted on both surfaces of the circuit board 25, respectively. Thereby, compared with the case where both the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the acceleration sensor unit 16 are provided on one side of the circuit board 25, the size of the circuit board 25 can be reduced. As a result, the rigidity of the circuit board 25 can be increased.

  FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the enter button 211. As shown in FIG. 37, the determination button 211 includes a cylindrical body 250 having a hollow portion 251. An optical sensor (sensor) 252 is disposed in the hollow portion 251 of the cylindrical body 250, and a lens member 255 that condenses the light emitted from the optical sensor 252 is disposed above the optical sensor 252. A protrusion 243 a is provided at the lower portion of the cylindrical body 250. A switch 215 a provided on the main board 246 is arranged in the pressing direction of the determination button 211.

  A flexible substrate 245 is provided on the bottom surface 250 c inside the cylindrical body 250. The flexible substrate 245 is configured by, for example, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit). An opening 254 is provided on the side surface 250b of the cylindrical body 250 so as to communicate with the hollow portion 251, and the flexible substrate 245 is drawn out through the opening 254 and is electrically connected to the main substrate 246 (see FIG. 36). ). An optical sensor 252 is disposed on the flexible substrate 245, and the optical sensor 252 is electrically connected to the flexible substrate 245. The lens member 255 is not shown in FIGS. 31 and 32.

  The optical sensor 252 is a reflective optical sensor, and includes a light emitting element 252a and a light receiving element 252b. The light emitting element 252a is typically an LED (Light Emitting Diode), but may be an LD (Laser Diode) or any other element that emits light. As the light receiving element 252b, a phototransistor is typically used, but a photo IC (Integrated Circuit) may be used, and any other element that can detect light from the light emitting element 252a. May be used. As the wavelength of light, a wavelength in the infrared range is typically used, but visible light may be used, and other wavelengths may be used. The light emitting element 252a may emit light constantly or periodically.

  The lens member 255 has a convex lens shape, and the lower surface 255b of the lens member 255 is formed in a hemispherical shape (hereinafter, the lower surface 255b may be referred to as a lower curved surface 255b). On the other hand, the upper surface 255a of the lens member 255 is a curved surface having a larger radius of curvature than the lower curved surface 255b. The upper surface 255 a of the lens member 255 forms the surface of the determination button 211 together with the upper surface 250 a of the cylindrical body 250. By forming the lens member 255 in this manner, the light irradiated by the light emitting element 252a can be condensed, and the condensed light can be made parallel on the lens member 255. As a result, an area (detection area) where the optical sensor 252 can detect the user's body (for example, a finger) can be formed on the lens member 255 substantially vertically. The lens member 255 is formed of, for example, a light transmissive resin. For example, polycarbonate or acrylic resin is used as the light transmissive resin.

  In FIG. 37, the case where the lower curved surface 255b is smaller than the curvature radius of the upper surface 255a has been described. However, the curvature radius of the upper surface may be smaller than the curvature radius of the lower surface. The upper surface 255a of the lens member 255 is not limited to a curved surface, and may be a flat surface. Alternatively, the lens member 255 is not limited to a convex lens shape, and may be a prism shape.

  In the present embodiment, the optical sensor 252 and the lens member 255 form a detection area on the lens member 255 (on the decision button 211) where the optical sensor 252 can detect the user's body. The presence or absence of the finger can be detected when the finger is caused to enter. Note that the length L of the detection region can be adjusted by controlling the output of the light emitting element 252a of the optical sensor.

  A light shielding plate 256 capable of shielding light is provided between the light emitting element 252a and the light receiving element 252b. One end of the light shielding plate 256 is joined to the optical sensor main body (or the flexible substrate 245), and the other end is joined to the lower surface 255b of the lens member 255. The light shielding plate 256 can prevent the light emitted from the light emitting element 252a from being directly received by the light receiving element 252b. Further, it is possible to prevent the light receiving element 252b from receiving the light emitted from the light emitting element 252a and reflected by the lower surface 255b of the lens member 255.

  An antireflection film may be formed on the upper surface 255 a of the lens member 255. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the light receiving element 252b from receiving the light emitted from the light emitting element 252a and reflected by the upper surface 255a of the lens member 255. Alternatively, an antireflection film may be formed not only on the upper surface 255a of the lens member 255 but also on the lower surface 255b of the lens member 255. The thickness of the antireflection film is appropriately set in consideration of the wavelength of light emitted from the light emitting element 252a.

  Here, since the optical sensor 252 is fixed inside the cylinder 250 as described above, the positional relationship between the optical sensor 252 and the lens member 255 does not change. Therefore, for example, the level of light reflected by the upper surface 255a of the lens member 255 can be stabilized. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the light receiving element 252b from detecting light even though the user's finger is not present in the detection region. Furthermore, the detection region can be stably formed above the lens member 255.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 32, FIG. 37, etc., operation | movement of the operation member 240 when the determination button 211 and the center button 212 are pressed by the user is demonstrated.

  When the determination button 211 is pressed by the user, the determination button 211 and the first leaf spring portion 241a rotate with A1 and A2 as fulcrums. Then, the protrusion 243a provided at the lower part of the determination button 211 comes into contact with the switch 215a, and the switch 215a is electrically turned on. When the finger pressed by the user is released, the determination button 211 and the first leaf spring portion 241a are rotated again by A1 and A2 by the elastic force and returned to the original positions, so that the switch 215a is electrically turned off. It becomes a state.

  When the center button 212 is pressed by the user, the center button, the connecting portion 241d, and the second leaf spring portion 241b are A1, A2, and B (portions where the connecting portion 41d and the second leaf spring portion 241b are connected). It rotates as a fulcrum. And the protrusion 243b provided in the lower part of the center button 212 contacts the switch 215b, and the switch 215b is turned on electrically. When the finger pressed by the user is released, the central button 212, the connecting portion 241d, and the second leaf spring portion 241b are rotated again with A1, A2, and B as fulcrums by the elastic force, and return to their original positions. The switch 215b is turned off electrically.

  Next, an internal operation of the input device 200 when the enter button 211 is operated will be described. FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input device 200.

In a state where the user does not enter the detection area with the finger, the light receiving element 252b does not detect the light irradiated by the light emitting element 252a. Therefore, the light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 is not input to the MPU 19 (NO in step 701). In this case, the MPU 19 stops outputting the movement command (a signal including speed value information) or outputs a movement command in which the displacement amount of the pointer 2 is zero ((V _x , V _y ) = (0 , 0)) (step 702).

  That is, in the state where the user does not enter the detection area with the finger, the pointer 2 does not move even if the user moves the input device 200. Thereby, when the user wants to stop the movement of the pointer 2, the user can stop the pointer by preventing the finger from entering the detection area.

  When the user enters the detection area on the determination button 211 or touches the upper surface 255a of the lens member 255, the light emitted from the light emitting element 252a is reflected by the user's finger and is received from the light receiving element 252b. Detected. In this case, the light receiving element 252b outputs a light reception signal. When the MPU 19 determines that the received light signal has been input (determination means) (YES in step 701), the MPU 19 starts outputting the movement command (step 703). That is, when it is detected that the user's body is present in the detection area, the MPU 19 controls the output of the movement command so as to start the movement of the pointer 2 (output control means).

  When the output of the movement command is started, the movement of the pointer 2 is started, and the pointer 2 is moved according to the spatial operation of the input device 200 by the user (see FIG. 8). Thereby, when the user wants to start the movement of the pointer 2, the user can start the movement of the pointer 2 by causing the finger to enter the detection area.

  Here, the speed value is typically calculated by the method shown in FIG. Thereby, the movement of the pointer 2 on the screen 3 can be a natural movement that matches the user's intuition. However, the speed value does not necessarily have to be calculated by the method shown in FIG. 15, for example, the acceleration value may be simply integrated to calculate the speed value. Alternatively, a speed value calculated by another method may be used.

  When the user removes the finger that has entered the detection area from the detection area, the light receiving element 252b cannot detect the light emitted from the light emitting element 252a, and the output of the light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 is stopped. When the MPU 19 determines that the input of the received light signal has been canceled (YES in Step 704), the MPU 19 stops outputting the movement command or starts outputting the movement command as zero (Step 705). Accordingly, when the user wants to stop the movement of the pointer 2 again, the user can stop the pointer by removing the finger from the detection area.

  On the other hand, when the user presses the determination button 211 with a finger in the detection area, the switch 215a is turned on, and the output of the operation signal is started from the switch 215a. In this case, input of an operation signal from the switch 215a is started in a state where the user's finger is detected in the detection area. When the MPU 19 determines that the input of the operation signal has been started (YES in step 706) while the light reception signal is being input (NO in step 704), the MPU 19 outputs a determination command (output control means) (step 707). . Alternatively, the MPU 19 may output a determination command when the user releases the finger that pressed the determination button 211 and the input of the operation signal from the switch 215a is released.

  When the MPU 35 of the control device 40 inputs the determination command output from the input device 200, the MPU 35 executes a predetermined process. For example, if the position of the pointer 2 when the determination command is input is on the icon 4, the MPU 35 of the control device 40 executes a process of selecting the icon 4 or executes an application program corresponding to the icon 4. Or start.

  With the processing shown in FIG. 38, for example, the user moves the pointer 2 on the screen 3 with the finger in the detection area and positions it on the icon, and presses the decision button 211 with the finger in the detection area. By pressing, an operation such as selecting an icon on the screen 3 can be performed. That is, according to the input device 200 according to the present embodiment, the user moves the GUI on the screen 3 by a series of simple finger operations such as causing the finger to enter the detection area and pressing the finger within the detection area. Can be operated intuitively. Further, since the user can move the pointer 2 with the finger entering the detection area or with the finger touching the surface of the determination button 211, the user operates the determination button 211 without stress. can do.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the movement command is output when the user has made the finger enter the detection area has been described. However, as in the flowchart shown in FIG. 19, the user has made the finger enter the detection area. The movement command output may be stopped. In this case, the user can stop the pointer by moving the finger into the detection area on the determination button 211, and can start moving the pointer by removing the finger from the detection area.

  The process shown in FIG. 38 may be mainly executed by the control device 40 as in the case of FIG. In this case, the control device 40 receives the information on the acceleration value and the angular velocity value transmitted from the input device 200 (receiving unit). In addition, the control device 40 receives information (presence information) of a light reception signal from the optical sensor 252. When the MPU 35 of the control device 40 receives the acceleration value and the angular velocity value, the MPU 35 calculates the velocity value based on the acceleration value and the angular velocity value, and outputs it as a control signal. The display control unit 42 controls the display so that the pointer 2 moves on the screen 3 at a predetermined speed corresponding to the speed value (display control means). The MPU 35 controls whether or not to output a control signal according to the information of the received light signal.

  Next, another embodiment of the input device 200 will be described. In the following description, an embodiment in which the light emitting element 252a of the optical sensor 252 emits light at a predetermined period T will be described.

  Since the input device 200 uses wireless communication and further includes a plurality of sensors, there is a problem that power consumption is large. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to realize power saving of the optical sensor 252, the light emitting element 252 a emits light at a predetermined period to detect whether the user's body exists in the detection region.

  FIG. 39A is a circuit diagram of the optical sensor 252 according to this embodiment. FIG. 39B is a diagram illustrating a state where light emitted from the light emitting element 252a is input to the light receiving element 252b when a user's finger is present in the detection region.

  As shown in these drawings, the optical sensor 252 includes a photodiode as the light emitting element 252a, and includes a phototransistor as the light receiving element 252b. For example, a resistance of 330Ω is connected to the anode side of the light emitting element 252a, and a resistance of 100 kΩ is connected to the emitter side of the light receiving element 252b. The cathode side of the light emitting element 252a and the emitter side of the light receiving element 252b are grounded. The light emitting element 252a is supplied with a pulsed voltage at a predetermined period T, and the light receiving element 252b is continuously supplied with a voltage from a power source. The supply of this voltage is typically controlled by the MPU 19, but may be controlled by other methods (voltage control means). As described above, details of the reason why the pulse voltage is supplied to the light emitting element 252a at the cycle T and the voltage is continuously supplied to the light receiving element 252b will be described later.

  FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the voltage supplied to the light emitting element 252a and the voltage output from the light receiving element 252b. FIG. 40A is a diagram illustrating a voltage supplied to the light-emitting element 252a, and FIG. 40B is a diagram illustrating a voltage output from the optical sensor 252.

  As shown in FIG. 40A, a pulse voltage is supplied to the light emitting element 252a at a predetermined period T, and the light emitting element 252a emits light intermittently at a predetermined period T. The period T is typically 10 ms to 20 ms, but is not limited thereto, and may be 10 ms or less, or 20 ms or more. The pulse width τ is typically 0.5 ms to 1.5 ms, but may be 0.5 ms or less, or may be 1.5 ms or more.

  As shown in FIG. 40 (B), when the user's finger does not exist in the detection area on the determination button 211 (see the left side of FIG. 40 (B)), the light receiving element 252b does not detect light. The output voltage becomes zero. On the other hand, when the user's finger is present on the determination button 211, the light receiving element 252b detects light reflected by the user's finger in the detection region, and outputs a pulse voltage (right in FIG. 40B). reference). Since the period T of the voltage output from the optical sensor 252 is synchronized with the period T at which the light emitting element 252a emits light, it substantially matches the period T of the voltage supplied to the light emitting element 252a. Similarly, the pulse width τ of the output voltage substantially matches the pulse width τ supplied to the light emitting element 252a. When the pulsed output voltage from the optical sensor 252 exceeds the threshold, the MPU 19 determines that a light reception signal is input. The MPU 19 may execute the processing shown in FIG. 38 by determining whether or not the light reception signal is input.

  Next, the reason why a pulse voltage is supplied to the light emitting element 252a at a predetermined cycle and the voltage is continuously supplied to the light receiving element 252b will be described.

  FIG. 41 is a circuit diagram of a general photo reflector. FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an output voltage when a pulse voltage is supplied to the photo reflector.

  As shown in FIG. 41, the light emitting element 270a and the light receiving element 270b of the photo reflector 270 are connected in parallel. In this manner, with the light emitting element 270a and the light receiving element 270b connected in parallel, a pulsed voltage is supplied to the light emitting element 270a and the light receiving element 270b, respectively. Then, although the light receiving element 270b does not detect light, a light receiving signal is output from the light receiving element 270b (see the left in FIG. 42B). That is, when a pulse voltage is supplied to both the light emitting element 270a and the light receiving element 270b, the signal from the light receiving element 270b is detected as if light was detected even though the light receiving element 270b did not detect light. Will be output. If the photoreflector 270 is used as an optical sensor of the input device 200 and a pulse voltage is supplied to the photoreflector 270, a light reception signal is output from the photoreflector 270 even though there is no finger in the detection region. . As a result, the MPU 19 may erroneously determine the input of the received light signal.

  As described above, the light receiving element 270b outputs the light receiving signal even though the light receiving element 270b does not detect light. When the pulse voltage is supplied to the light receiving element 270b, the light receiving element 270b floats on the light receiving element 270b. This is thought to be due to the generation of capacity.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a pulse voltage is supplied to the light emitting element 252a at a predetermined cycle for power saving, while a voltage is continuously applied to the light receiving element 252b to prevent erroneous detection of light. Supplied. Thereby, power saving can be appropriately realized, and further, erroneous detection of light can be prevented.

  Even if voltage is continuously supplied to the light receiving element 252b, the current flowing through the light receiving element 252b is about 1/1000 of the current flowing through the light emitting element 252a. I can say that.

  Next, an embodiment of the operation of the input device 200 when the optical sensor 252 emits light at a predetermined cycle will be described.

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input device 200 according to this embodiment.

  First, the MPU 19 supplies a pulse voltage to the light emitting element 252a (see FIG. 40A), and causes the light emitting element 252a to emit light (step 801). The period T at which the light emitting element 252a emits light is 10 ms to 20 ms as described above. In the following description, the period in which the light emitting element 252a emits light will be described as the light emission period T.

  Next, the MPU 19 determines whether or not a light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 is input (step 802). Here, the cycle in which the MPU 19 determines whether or not the light reception signal is input typically synchronizes with the cycle T in which the light emitting element 252a emits light (see FIG. 40A). For example, when the light emission period T at which the light emitting element 252a emits light is 16 ms, the determination period of the MPU 19 is also 16 ms.

When it is determined that the user's finger exists in the detection area and the light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 is input (YES in step 802), the MPU 19 determines the angular velocity values (ω _y , ω from the angular velocity sensor unit 15). _x ) and acceleration values (a _x , a _y ) from the acceleration sensor are acquired (step 803). When acquiring the acceleration value and the acceleration value, the MPU 19 calculates a velocity value (V _x , V _y ) (step 804) and outputs the velocity value as a movement command (step 805). Then, the process returns to step 801, and the optical sensor 252 is caused to emit light again.

  That is, when the user's finger continues to exist in the detection area, the MPU 19 acquires the acceleration value and the angular velocity value from the sensor unit 17 (step 803) → calculates the velocity value (step 804) → outputs the velocity value (step Step 805) is repeated. In the following description, the cycle time of acquisition of the angular velocity value and acceleration value → calculation of the velocity value → output of the velocity value will be described as a command output cycle T ′. The command output period T ′ is set to coincide with the light emission period T. For example, when the period T at which the optical sensor 252 (light emitting element 252a) emits light is 16 ms, the command output period T ′ is also 16 ms.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the user's finger does not exist in the detection area and the light reception signal is not input from the optical sensor 252 (NO in step 801), the MPU 19 causes the previous optical sensor 252 to emit light. After the light emission period T elapses, the optical sensor 252 is caused to emit light again. If the MPU 19 determines that the light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 is not input (NO in step 802), the MPU 19 does not calculate the speed value and does not output the movement command. That is, the MPU 19 does not calculate or output a velocity value because there is no need to output a movement command when there is no user's finger in the detection area. Thereby, further power saving is realized.

  Next, another embodiment of the operation of the input device 200 when the optical sensor 252 emits light at a predetermined cycle will be described.

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input apparatus according to this embodiment. FIG. 45 is a timing chart for explaining the operation shown in FIG.

The description of FIG. 44 will focus on differences from the operation shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the light emission period T emitted by the optical sensor 252 and the command output period T ′ (MPU 19 obtains angular velocity values (ω _y , ω _x ) and acceleration values (a _x , a _y ) from the sensor unit 17. (The cycle time from when the speed value is output until it is output) is different (see FIG. 45). Therefore, the description will be focused on the point that the light emission period T and the command output period T ′ are set differently.

  The MPU 19 causes the optical sensor 252 to emit light at the light emission period T (step 901) (see FIG. 45A). Further, the MPU 19 determines whether or not a light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 is input in this light emission cycle T (step 902) (see FIG. 45B). The light emission period T is typically about 5 to 15 times the command output period T ′ (see FIG. 45C). However, the light emission period T may be 5 times or less or 15 times or more as long as it is an integral multiple of the command output period T ′. For example, when the command output cycle T ′ is 16 ms, the light emission cycle T is set to 80 ms to 240 ms. In the example shown in FIG. 45, the light emission period T is 7 times the command output period T ′.

  When it is determined that the user's finger does not exist in the detection area and the light reception signal is not input from the optical sensor 252 (NO in step 902), the MPU 19 performs the light emission cycle T after the light emission of the previous optical sensor 252. Then, the optical sensor 252 is caused to emit light again (step 901) (see FIG. 45A). Then, the MPU 19 determines again whether or not a light reception signal has been input (step 902) (see FIG. 45B). When the MPU 19 determines that the light reception signal is not input, the MPU 19 does not calculate the speed value and does not output the movement command.

When the user's finger exists in the detection area and the MPU 19 determines that the light reception signal is input from the optical sensor 252 (YES in Step 902), the MPU 19 determines the angular velocity value (ω _y from the angular velocity sensor unit 15). , Ω _x ) and acceleration values (a _x , a _y ) from the acceleration sensor unit 16 are acquired (step 903). When the MPU 19 acquires the acceleration value and the acceleration value, the MPU 19 calculates a velocity value (V _x , V _y ) (step 904) and outputs the velocity value as a movement command (step 905).

  When the MPU 19 outputs the movement command (step 905), the MPU 19 determines whether or not the light emission cycle T has elapsed since the previous light emission from the optical sensor 252 (step 906). The determination of whether or not the light emission period T has elapsed since the previous light emission of the optical sensor can be realized by a configuration as shown in FIG. 18, for example. For example, the predetermined count value is stored in the count value setting unit 46 shown in FIG. The MPU 19 (control unit 47) compares the count value supplied from the counter 45 with the predetermined count value stored in the count value setting unit 46 to determine whether or not the light emission cycle T has elapsed. Good.

  If the light emission period T has not elapsed since the previous light emission from the optical sensor 252 (NO in step 906), the MPU 19 executes the processing shown in step 903 → step 904 → step 905 again, and outputs a movement command. Then, it is again determined whether or not the light emission period T has elapsed since the previous light emission from the optical sensor 252 (step 906). For example, when the light emission period T is seven times the command output period T ′, the process of acquiring the acceleration value and angular velocity value from the sensor unit 17 → calculating the velocity value → outputting the velocity value is repeated seven cycles.

  When the light emission period T has elapsed from the previous light emission (YES in step 906), the process returns to step 901, and the MPU 19 causes the optical sensor 252 to emit light.

  With the processing shown in FIG. 44, the light emission period T can be made longer than the command output period T ′, so that the power consumption of the optical sensor 252 can be further reduced.

  Next, another embodiment of the operation of the input device 200 when the optical sensor 252 emits light at a predetermined cycle will be described.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input device 200 according to this embodiment.

  In the description of FIG. 46, the difference from the process shown in FIG. 43 will be mainly described. In the present embodiment, not only the power consumption of the optical sensor is reduced, but also the processing shown in FIG. 41 is different in that the power consumption of the sensor unit 17 is reduced. Therefore, this point will be mainly described.

  In the description of FIG. 46, a mode in which the supply of power to the optical sensor 252 and the sensor unit 17 is regulated will be described as a power saving mode, and the other modes will be described as a normal mode.

  First, the MPU 19 causes the optical sensor 252 to emit light (step 1001). When it is determined that the user's finger exists in the detection area and the light reception signal is input (YES in 1002), the MPU 19 zeroes the count value of the counter 45 shown in FIG. 18 (step 1003). Next, the MPU 19 acquires an angular velocity value and an acceleration value from the sensor unit 17 (step 1004), calculates a velocity value (step 1005), and outputs this velocity value as a movement command (step 1006).

  When the user removes the finger in the detection area from the detection area, the MPU 19 determines that the light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 is not input (NO in step 1002), starts counting up by the counter 45, The count value of 45 is incremented by 1 (step 1007). Next, the MPU 19 compares the count value from the counter 45 with a predetermined count value (step 1008). The predetermined count value may be stored in advance in the count value setting unit 46 (see FIG. 18). If the count value does not match the predetermined count value (NO in step 1008), the process returns to step 1001.

  That is, when there is no user's finger in the detection area and no light reception signal is input, the MPU 19 determines that the count value matches the predetermined count value, step 1001 → NO in step 1002, → step 1007 → step. NO in 1008 → Repeat the process in step 1001. This predetermined count value is a count value corresponding to the time from when the input of the received light signal is canceled until the shift to the power saving mode described later. This predetermined count value is appropriately set in consideration of the time required for shifting from the cancellation of the input of the received light signal to the power saving mode.

  If the user enters the detection area before the count value matches the predetermined count value and the MPU 19 determines the input of the received light signal (YES in step 1002), the count value is set to zero and the counter The count up by 45 is reset (step 1003).

  When the count value matches the predetermined count value (YES in step 1008), the MPU 19 regulates the supply of power to the optical sensor 252 and the angular velocity sensor unit 15 (step 1009) (regulation means). Due to the regulation of the power supply, the optical sensor 252 and the angular velocity sensor unit 15 are electrically switched from the ON state to the OFF state, and the input device 200 shifts from the normal mode to the power saving mode. Thus, the power consumption can be further reduced by turning off the optical sensor 252 which is an active sensor with high power consumption and the angular velocity sensor unit 15.

  When the mode is shifted to the power saving mode, the MPU 19 also regulates the power supply to the MPU 19 itself and the acceleration sensor unit 16 and controls the power so that the standby current is supplied to the MPU 19 and the acceleration sensor unit 16. As described above, the acceleration sensor unit 16 is not electrically turned off, but the standby current is flowing. The means for detecting a trigger for returning the acceleration sensor unit 16 from the power saving mode to the normal mode. It is for use as. The acceleration sensor unit 16 is a passive sensor and consumes less power than the optical sensor 252 and the angular velocity sensor unit 15 which are active sensors.

When the MPU 19 detects the acceleration value from the acceleration sensor unit 16 (step 1010), the MPU 19 determines whether or not the acceleration value (a _x , a _y ) is a predetermined value or more (step 1011). As the acceleration value used for this determination, the absolute value | a | of the biaxial acceleration values (a _x , a _y ) may be used, and one of the biaxial acceleration values is used as a representative value. May be. If the acceleration value is less than or equal to the predetermined value (NO in step 1011), the input device 200 is determined to be in a non-moving state and the power saving mode is maintained.

  On the other hand, when the acceleration value exceeds the predetermined value (YES in step 1011), it is determined that the input device 200 is in a moving state, and the MPU 19 supplies power to the optical sensor 252 and the angular velocity sensor unit 15. The restriction is released (step 1012). When the restriction on power is released, the optical sensor 252 and the acceleration sensor unit 16 are changed from the electrically OFF state to the ON state, and the input device 200 returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode. When returning to the normal mode, the MPU 19 also releases the restriction on the power supply to the MPU 19 and the acceleration sensor unit 16 and controls the power so that the current in the normal mode is supplied to the MPU 19 and the acceleration sensor unit 16. To do.

  Through the processing as described above, the power consumed by the input device 200 can be more effectively reduced. For example, when the input device 200 is moved by the user, the normal mode can be immediately entered.

  In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the normal mode shifts to the power saving mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the input of the light reception signal was canceled. However, after the input device 200 is turned on, the normal mode may be shifted to the power saving mode when a predetermined time elapses without receiving a light reception signal.

  Similarly to the processing shown in FIG. 44, the light emission period T emitted by the optical sensor 252 and the period T by which the MPU 19 determines the input of the received light signal are longer than the command output period T ′, which is the period for outputting the movement command. It may be long. Thereby, power consumption can be further reduced.

  Next, another embodiment of the operation of the input device 200 when the optical sensor 252 emits light at a predetermined cycle will be described.

  In the present embodiment, since the above-described light emission period T is variable, it is different from the above-described embodiments, and therefore, this point will be mainly described.

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input device 200 according to this embodiment. FIG. 48 shows the time t after the input of the light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 is canceled and the light emission period T of the optical sensor 252 (the optical sensor 252 detects whether or not the user's body is present in the detection region. It is the figure which showed the relationship with the period to do. FIG. 49 is a diagram showing the light emission period T of the optical sensor 252 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the input of the light reception signal was canceled.

In the description of FIG. 47, the difference from the operation shown in FIG. 43 will be mainly described. Further, the light emission period T of the optical sensor when the light emission period T of the optical sensor 252 is synchronized with the command output period T ′ will be described as a reference period T ₀ .

Present in the finger detection area of the user, if the received light signal from the optical sensor 252 (light-receiving element 252b) is inputted, MPU 19 is caused to emit light sensor 252 (the light emitting element 252a) in the reference period _{T 0} (Step 1101) (see FIG. 49A).

  When the user removes the finger in the detection area from the detection area and it is determined that the input of the light reception signal has been canceled (NO in step 1102), the MPU 19 starts counting up and increments the count value of the counter 45 by one. (Step 1109).

Next, the MPU 19 compares the first preset count value with the count value (step 1110). The first preset count value and a second preset count value described later may be stored in advance in the count value setting unit 46. The first preset count value, a count value corresponding since the release input of the light receiving signal, the first preset time t ₁ is the time to vary the reference period T ₀ (see Figure 48). The first preset time is typically 10 s to 20 s. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be 10 s or less, or 20 s or more.

When the count value is smaller than the first preset count value (NO in step 1110), the MPU 19 returns to step 1101. When the user's finger does not exist in the detection area, the MPU 19 emits the optical sensor 252 (step 1101) → determination of input of the received light signal from the optical sensor 252 (NO in step 1102) → increase in the count value (step 1109) → The process of comparing the count value with the first preset count value (step 1110) is repeated. This process, until the count value and the first preset count value coincides, i.e., repeated from the release of the input of the light receiving signal to a first preset time t ₁ has elapsed. In addition, when the user again enters the detection area before the first preset time t _{1 has} elapsed and the input of the light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 is started (YES in step 1102), the count value is It is reset (step 1103).

If the count value is greater than or equal to the first preset count value (YES in step 1110), that is, if the first preset time has elapsed since the input of the light reception signal was canceled, the light emission cycle of the optical sensor 252 at that time It is determined whether or not T is the reference period T ₀ (step 1111). When the emission period T is the reference period _{T 0} (YES in step 1111), MPU 19 changes the light emission period T from the reference period _{T 0,} the first period _{T 1} (step 1112) (cycle control means) .

In this case, MPU 19 is (see FIG. 49 (B)) of the first pulse voltage of period _{T 1,} to supply to the light emitting element 252a, the light emitting element 252a to emit light in the first period _{T 1.} The first period T ₁ is typically 2 to 3 times the reference period T ₀ . However, it is not limited to this, and it may be 1 to 2 times or 3 times or more. In the examples of FIGS. 48 and 49B, the first period T ₁ is twice the reference period T ₀ .

MPU19, when the light-emitting period T was first period (step 1112), or if the light-emitting period T is not the reference period _{T 0} (NO in step 1111), the process advances to step 1113. In step 1113, it is determined whether the count value is greater than or equal to a second preset count value. This second preset count value is a count value corresponding to the _second preset time t2 (see FIG. 48). The second preset time is typically 20 s to 40 s. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be 20 s or less or 40 s or more if the _first preset time t ₁ or more.

When the count value is smaller than the second preset count value (NO in step 1113), the MPU 19 returns to step 1101. Then, until the count value matches the second preset count value, that is, since the release input of the photodetection signal until the second preset time t ₂ has elapsed, NO in step 1001～ step 1113, the process of repeat.

Note that, after the first preset time t ₁ has elapsed and before the second preset time t _{2 has} elapsed, the user enters a detection area and a light reception signal is input from the optical sensor 252 (step S1). YES in 1102), MPU 19 resets the count value (step 1103), returning the light emission period T from the first period _{T 1} to the reference period _{T 0} (YES in step 1104, step 1105). That is, in step 1105, MPU 19 is to synchronize the emission period T command output period T 'and returns the first period _{T 1} to the reference period _{T 0.}

When the count value is equal to or greater than the second preset count value (YES in step 1113), that is, when the second preset time or more has elapsed since the cancellation of the light receiving signal input, the MPU 19 has the light emission period T of the first period. determines whether the T ₁ (step 1114). When the emission period T is the first period _{T 1} (YES in step 1114), the first period _{T 1} to change to the second period _{T 2} (step 1115) (Fig. 48, and FIG. 49 (C )reference). The second period _{T 2} are typically are 3 to 5 times of the reference period _{T 0.} However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be 3 times or less of the reference cycle T ₀ or 5 times or more as long as the first cycle T ₁ or more. In the example shown in FIG. 48, and FIG. 49 (C), the second period _{T 2} are are three times the reference period _{T 0.}

Incidentally, when the light-emitting period T is at the second period _{T 2,} the light receiving signal is input (YES in step 1102), MPU 19 resets the count value (step 1103), the light-emitting period T, the second returning from the period _{T 2} to the reference period _{T 0} (YES in step 1104, step 1105).

  With the processing shown in FIG. 46, the light emission period T (the period for detecting the presence or absence of the user's body in the detection region) becomes longer as the time after the input of the light reception signal is released becomes longer. Since T is controlled, power consumption can be appropriately reduced.

  In this embodiment, the cancellation of the input of the received light signal is set as the starting point of time (see FIG. 48), but the time when the input device 200 is turned on may be set as the starting point of time. That is, the light emission period T may be controlled so that the light emission period T becomes longer as the time from when the input device 200 is turned on becomes longer.

  In the description of the present embodiment, the case where the light emission period T changes in three stages has been described. However, the light emission period T may be changed in two stages, or may be changed in four or more stages. Alternatively, the light emission period T may be controlled so that it becomes longer in a linear function or in a multi-order function as the time after the input of the received light signal becomes longer. Alternatively, the light emission period T may be controlled by a combination thereof.

  In the description of this embodiment, the difference from FIG. 43 has been mainly described. However, the light emission period T in step 901 shown in FIG. 44 and the light emission period T in step 1001 shown in FIG. 46 are variable as in this embodiment. May be.

  Next, another embodiment in the case where the light emission period T, which is the period at which the optical sensor 252 emits light, is variable will be described.

  This embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that the light emission cycle T is variably controlled according to the magnitude of the speed value of the input device 200. Therefore, this point will be mainly described.

  FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input device 200 according to this embodiment. 51 and 52 are diagrams showing the relationship between the light emission period T of the optical sensor 252 and the velocity value V. FIG.

  51 and 52, in this embodiment, as the velocity value V output from the input device 200 increases, the light emission period T of the optical sensor 252 (the body of the user is present in the detection region of the optical sensor 252). The period of detecting whether or not to do) is shortened. On the contrary, the light emission period T becomes longer as the velocity value V becomes smaller.

  First, the reason for this processing will be described.

  When the user moves the pointer 2 on the screen 3 using the input device 200, for example, the user grips the input device 200 on the table, enters a detection area on the determination button 211, and moves the input device 200. Manipulate space. When the input device 200 is operated in this way, the speed value V of the input device 200 is large. That is, when the velocity value V is large, it is highly necessary to determine whether or not the user's finger is present in the detection area on the determination button 211 by causing the optical sensor 252 to emit light. It can be said that it is necessary to emit light.

  On the other hand, when the speed value V of the input device 200 is small, such as when the input device 200 is placed on a table, the optical sensor 252 determines whether or not the user's finger exists in the detection area. Less need. Therefore, when the input device 200 speed value V is small, it can be said that there is no problem even if the optical sensor 252 emits light with a long period.

  In the present embodiment, the light emission period T is variably controlled using such a relationship, and power consumption is appropriately reduced.

  Next, the relationship between the light emission period T and the speed value V will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 51 and 52, when the velocity value V is V ₁₀ or more, the light emission period T is set to the reference period T ₀ . The reference period T ₀ coincides with the command output period T ′ (for example, 16 ms), and is the shortest period of the period in which the optical sensor 252 emits light (see FIG. 52A). The value of V ₁₀ is the velocity value V of the input device 200, in consideration of the relationship between the light-emitting period T, is set as appropriate. Similarly, V _{1 to} V ₉ are appropriately set in consideration of the relationship with the light emission period T.

As the speed value V, an absolute value | V | of the speed value may be used, and either the first speed value V _x or the second speed value V _y may be used as a representative value. Good.

When the velocity value V is V _{9 to} V ₁₀ , V _{8 to} V ₉ , V _{7 to} V ₆ ,..., 0 to V ₁ , the light emission period T is T ₁ , T ₂ , T, respectively. _3, are ··· _{T 10.} For _example, T _{1, T 2,} T 3, ... _{T 10} is twice the reference period _{T 0,} respectively, three times, is four times ... 10 times. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as long as it is an integral multiple of the reference period T ₀ , it may be increased by 3 times, 6 times, 9 times,... 30 times, or may be increased by other magnifications. Further, T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ ,... T ₁₀ are not limited to increase by regular magnification, but may increase by irregular magnification. The light emission period T is not limited to 11 steps, and may be 10 steps or less, or 12 steps or more.

Further, in FIGS. 51 and 52, when the velocity value V is 0 to V _1, (see FIG. 52 (D)) has been a period _{T 10,} when the velocity value V is 0 to V ₁ The light emission period T may be infinite. That is, when the speed value is 0 or substantially 0, the optical sensor 252 does not have to emit light. Thereby, power consumption can be further reduced.

  Next, the operation of the input device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The description will focus on the points that differ from FIG.

The MPU 19 causes the optical sensor 252 to emit light (step 1201), and determines whether or not a light reception signal is input from the optical sensor 252 (step 1202). For example, the MPU 19 causes the optical sensor 252 to emit light at any period of T _{0 to} T ₁₀ shown in FIGS. 51 and 52 and determines the input of the received light signal.

When it is determined that the user's finger does not exist in the detection area and the light reception signal is not input (NO in step 1202), the MPU 19 acquires an angular velocity value and an acceleration value from the sensor unit 17 (step 1208). ). The MPU 19 calculates a velocity value based on the angular velocity value and the acceleration value. When the MPU 19 calculates the speed value (step 1209), the MPU 19 newly sets a light emission period T (any one of T _{0 to} T ₁₀ ) according to the speed value V (step 1210) (see FIG. 51). The setting of the light emission period T can be realized, for example, by storing the relationship between the speed value V and the light emission period T shown in FIG. 51 in a table.

  In step 1210, the newly set light emission period T may be the same as or different from the previous light emission period T. When the newly set light emission period T has elapsed since the light sensor 252 was previously emitted, the MPU 19 returns to step 1201 again and causes the light sensor 252 to emit light. When the light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 is not input, the optical sensor is thereafter lit (step 1201) → new light emission cycle setting (1208 to 1210) according to the speed value → light after the newly set light emission cycle The process of emitting light from the sensor 252 (step 1201) is repeated.

By such processing, for example, the input device 200 is placed on the table, hardly move, if the velocity values continue taking a value close to substantially zero, light sensor 252 at T ₁₀ is the longest period Will continue to emit light. Thereby, power consumption can be reduced. On the other hand, for example, when the user grasps the input device 200 placed on the table, moves the pointer 2 on the screen 3 and tries to move the finger into the detection area, the speed value at that time is large. Accordingly, for example, the light emission period T is the reference period T ₀ which is the shortest period. Thereby, the user can start the movement of the pointer 2 immediately.

When the user causes a finger to enter the detection area and the MPU 19 determines that a light reception signal is input (YES in Step 1202), the MPU 19 acquires an acceleration value and a velocity value from the sensor unit 17 (Step 1203). A speed value is calculated (step 1204). MPU19, when outputting the velocity values as the movement command (step 1205), corresponding to the speed value, setting a new emission period _T (either T 0 _{through T 10)} (step 1206). The newly set light emission period T may be the same as or different from the previous light emission period T.

  When the new light emission period T is set, the MPU 19 determines whether or not the newly set light emission period T has elapsed since the last time the light sensor 252 was emitted (step 1207). If the newly set light emission period T has not elapsed since the previous light sensor 252 was caused to emit light (NO in step 1207), the process returns to step 1203. Then, the speed value is calculated and output again, and the light emission period T is newly set. If the newly set light emission period T has elapsed since the last time the light sensor 252 was turned on (YES in step 1207), the MPU 19 returns to step 1201 and makes the light sensor emit light again.

Here, when the user attempts to move the pointer 2 on the screen 3 and stop on the icon 4 by moving the finger into the detection area, the speed value of the input device 1 is small. Therefore, the optical sensor 252 emits light with a light emission period T ₁₀ (160 ms), which is the longest light emission period, for example. In this case, the MPU 19 repeats Step 1203 to Step 1207 for 10 cycles, and then causes the optical sensor 252 to emit light, and determines whether or not a user finger exists in the detection area. Therefore, there may be a case where the movement command is output by repeating the cycle even though the user tries to stop the pointer 2 on the icon 4 and removes the finger from the detection area. However, in this case, since the velocity value V itself output as the movement command is small, even if the movement command is output by repeating the cycle, the pointer 2 does not move much. Therefore, the user does not notice even if the pointer 2 runs idle due to repeated cycles. That is, in the input device according to the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately reduce power consumption without giving the user a sense of discomfort with the pointing operation.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the light emission period T is variably controlled according to the magnitude of the speed value has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the light emission period T may be variably controlled in accordance with the magnitude of the angular velocity value ω or the acceleration value a. As the angular velocity value ω, an absolute value may be used, and one of the biaxial acceleration values may be used as a representative value. The same applies to the acceleration value. Even with such a process, the same effect as the process shown in FIG. 51 is produced.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the light emission period T changes stepwise according to the magnitude of the speed value has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the light emission period T may change exponentially according to the magnitude of the speed value.

  FIG. 66 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the light emission period T changes exponentially according to the magnitude of the speed value. As shown in FIG. 66, the light emission period T decreases exponentially as the speed value increases, and is constant (for example, 16 ms) above a predetermined speed value V ′. As described above, the light emission cycle T is exponentially shortened according to the speed value, so that the power consumption can be appropriately reduced without giving the user a sense of discomfort in the pointing operation.

  Here, when the speed value V exceeds the predetermined speed value V ″, the light emission period T may be lengthened as the speed value V increases. For example, the user moves the finger 2 into the detection area and moves the pointer 2. The speed value is very large when moving on the screen 3 and vigorously shaking the housing 10. In this case, when the user removes the finger from the detection area, the user's finger does not exist. Nevertheless, there is a possibility that a movement command is output due to repetition of the cycle (see Step 1203 to Step 1207) However, in this case, since the speed value is too large, the pointer 2 runs idle. The user does not notice. In FIG. 66, using this relationship, when the speed value V exceeds the predetermined speed value V ″, the light emission period T is lengthened as the speed value increases. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately reduce power consumption without giving the user a sense of incongruity with the pointing operation.

  Next, an embodiment of a method for determining whether or not a pulsed output voltage (light reception signal) from the optical sensor 252 has been input will be described.

  In the present embodiment, a method for determining whether or not a light reception signal has been input, such as that shown in step 802 of FIG. 43, will be described. In the present embodiment, in order to remove the influence of disturbance light, it is determined whether or not a light reception signal has been input according to the amount of change in the output voltage from the optical sensor 252. Therefore, this point will be mainly described.

  First, the influence of disturbance light such as sunlight or light from a fluorescent lamp on the light receiving element 252b of the optical sensor 252 will be described.

  FIG. 53 is a diagram for explaining the influence of disturbance light, and is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an input voltage to the light emitting element 252a and an output voltage from the optical sensor 252.

  As shown in the left of FIG. 53 (B), when the disturbance light is large and the user's finger is not present in the detection area, the light sensor 252b detects the disturbance light, so the optical sensor 252 outputs a signal. It is conceivable to continue. As a result, it is also conceivable that the MPU 19 determines that a light reception signal is input even though the user's finger is not present in the detection area, and the pointer 2 moves on the screen 3.

  On the other hand, as shown on the right side of FIG. 53B, when the user's finger is present in the detection region, the surface of the determination button 211 is covered with the finger, so that ambient light is not detected by the light receiving element 252b. Therefore, similarly to the case where the influence of disturbance light is small (see FIG. 40B), the output voltage of the optical sensor 252 is output as a pulsed voltage with the period T.

  In the present embodiment, the following processing is executed to remove the influence of disturbance light.

  FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input device 200 according to this embodiment.

  The MPU 19 determines whether or not the output voltage from the optical sensor 252 (light receiving element 252b) when the light emitting element 252a emits light is equal to or higher than the threshold (step 1301). When the output voltage from the optical sensor is equal to or lower than the threshold value (NO in step 1301), the MPU 19 determines that the light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 is not input (determination means) (step 1304). If the MPU 19 determines that the light reception signal is not input, for example, NO in step 802 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the output voltage from the optical sensor 252 when the light emitting element 252a emits light is equal to or higher than the threshold value (YES in step 1301), the MPU 19 proceeds to the next step 1302. In step 1302, the MPU 19 determines whether or not the output voltage from the optical sensor 252 from when the previous optical sensor 252 emits light until when the current optical sensor 252 emits light is below a threshold value. When the output voltage from the optical sensor 252 is not less than or equal to the threshold value (NO in step 1302), the MPU 19 determines that the received light signal from the optical sensor 252 is not input (step 1304).

  For example, when the light receiving element 252b is affected by disturbance light and the optical sensor 252 continues to output a signal (refer to the left in FIG. 53B), the output voltage when the optical sensor 252 emits light is It is equal to or greater than the threshold (YES in step 1301). However, the output voltage from the optical sensor 252 between the time when the optical sensor 252 is emitted last time and the time when the optical sensor 252 is emitted this time is not less than or equal to the threshold value (NO in step 1302). Therefore, in this case, the MPU 19 does not determine that the light reception signal has been input (step 1304). Thereby, when the user's finger does not exist in the detection area, the pointer 2 can be prevented from moving on the screen 3 even if the light receiving element 252b detects disturbance light.

  When the output voltage from the optical sensor 252 is less than or equal to the threshold value from when the previous optical sensor 252 is emitted until the current optical sensor 252 is emitted (step 1302 YES), the MPU 19 receives the light reception signal from the optical sensor 252. It is determined that it has been input (step 1303). If the MPU 19 determines that the received light signal is input (step 1303), for example, YES in step 802 and subsequent processing shown in FIG. 43 may be executed.

  For example, when the user's finger is present in the detection region (see the right in FIG. 53B), the output voltage from the optical sensor 252 when the optical sensor 252 emits light is equal to or higher than the threshold (in step 1301). YES). Further, the output voltage from the optical sensor 252 between the time when the optical sensor 252 is caused to emit light and the time when the optical sensor 252 is caused to emit light this time is equal to or lower than the threshold (YES in Step 1302). Therefore, in this case, the MPU 19 determines that the light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 is input (step 1303). That is, when the user's finger is present in the detection area, the MPU 19 can appropriately determine that the light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 is input.

  As shown in FIG. 54, in this embodiment, in order to determine whether or not a light reception signal has been input in accordance with the amount of change in the output voltage from the optical sensor 252, the influence of disturbance light is effectively removed. can do.

  Note that the method of determining whether or not a light reception signal is input according to the present embodiment is the step 802 in FIG. 43, the step 902 in FIG. 44, the step 1002 in FIG. 46, the step 1102 in FIG. 47, and the step in FIG. Any of 1202 can be applied. The same applies to an embodiment of a method for determining whether or not a light reception signal is input, which will be described below.

  Next, another embodiment of a method for determining whether or not a pulsed output voltage (light reception signal) from the optical sensor 252 has been input will be described.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 54, it is determined whether or not a light reception signal is input by threshold determination. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, in order to further reduce the power consumption of the input device 200, it is determined whether or not a light reception signal is input regardless of the threshold determination. Therefore, this point will be mainly described.

  Note that this embodiment is also the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 54 in that it is determined whether or not a light reception signal is input according to the amount of change in the output voltage from the optical sensor 252.

  FIG. 55 is an enlarged view showing the relationship between the input voltage to the light emitting element 252a and the output voltage from the optical sensor 252. FIG.

  As indicated by the broken line in FIG. 55, when the pulse width of the input voltage to the light emitting element 252a is sufficiently large, the output voltage from the light receiving element 252b exceeds the threshold value. Can be determined.

  Here, in order to further reduce the power consumption of the optical sensor 252, in addition to intermittently emitting the optical sensor 252 with the light emission period T, it is effective means to shorten the time during which the optical sensor 252 emits light. Conceivable. In this case, it is conceivable to reduce the pulse width τ of the input voltage to the light-emitting element 252a and reduce the duty ratio D (D = τ / T) (see FIG. 55A).

  However, if the light emission time of the light emitting element 252a is shortened, the time for the light receiving element 252b to detect light is shortened. Therefore, when the slew rate is low, the output value of the output voltage of the optical sensor 252 may not exceed the threshold value. (See FIG. 55B). Accordingly, it is conceivable that the MPU 19 determines that the light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 is not input even though the user's finger exists in the detection area.

  Therefore, the input device 200 according to the present embodiment samples the output voltage (analog signal) from the optical sensor 252 and performs digital conversion (see FIG. 55B). Then, the MPU 19 determines whether or not a light reception signal is input according to the change amount of the sampled output voltage (digital signal). Typically, the MPU 19 can recognize the amount of change, for example, by differentiating each sampled voltage value. The difference between at least two sampled values of each sampled voltage value is obtained, and when the difference is equal to or close to a predetermined value, it is determined that a light reception signal is input. It only has to be done.

  By such processing, the light emission time of the light emitting element 252a is shortened, so that even when the output value of the output voltage from the optical sensor 252 does not exceed the threshold value, the MPU 19 is receiving a light reception signal. Can be determined. Thereby, since the light emission time of the light emitting element 252a can be shortened, the power consumption of the optical sensor 252 can be further reduced.

  Further, according to the processing as described above, even when the user's finger does not exist in the detection region and the light receiving element 252b is affected by disturbance light, the voltage is output (FIG. 53 ( B) (refer to the left), the MPU 19 does not determine that the received light signal has been input. That is, since the change amount of the output voltage output when the light receiving element 252b is affected by the disturbance light does not match the change amount of the output voltage when the finger is present in the detection region, the MPU 19 Does not determine that it has been entered. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the pointer 2 from moving on the screen 3 even though the optical sensor 252 is affected by disturbance light and the user's finger does not exist in the detection area.

  Next, an embodiment for reducing the influence of disturbance light will be described.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 53 and 54 described above and the embodiment shown in FIG. 55, the case where the influence of disturbance light is reduced by the signal input determination method has been described. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the influence of disturbance light is reduced by the optical thin film (wavelength selection film).

  In order to reduce the influence of disturbance light, for example, light belonging to the wavelength region of the light emitted from the light emitting element 252a among the light irradiated to the light receiving element 252b on the upper surface 255a of the lens member 255 shown in FIG. Is selectively transmitted, and an optical thin film (wavelength selection region) capable of cutting light of other wavelengths is formed. Alternatively, an optical thin film may be formed on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 252b. The position where the optical thin film is formed is not particularly limited. For example, the optical thin film has a multiple structure. When infrared light of a predetermined wavelength region is used as light emitted from the light emitting element 252a, the optical thin film is formed so as to transmit infrared light of the predetermined wavelength region and cut light other than infrared light of the predetermined wavelength region. The

  FIG. 58 is a diagram showing the wavelength distribution of sunlight. FIG. 59 is a diagram showing the relationship between the wavelength distribution of sunlight, the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the light receiving element 252b, and the characteristics of the optical thin film.

  As shown in FIG. 58 and FIG. 59, sunlight has a valley of radiation intensity between about 850 nm and 1050 nm in the near infrared wavelength region, and a peak between the valleys exists in the vicinity of 950 nm. As shown in FIG. 59, the relative sensitivity of the light receiving element 252b has a peak value in the vicinity of 950 nm so as to match the peak value of the valley of the sunlight radiation intensity. The light receiving element 252b may be appropriately designed so as to have a peak value of relative sensitivity in the vicinity of 950 nm. In this case, the light-emitting element 252a also irradiates light belonging to the near-infrared region having a central wavelength around 950 nm.

  The broken line in FIG. 59 indicates the characteristics of the optical thin film, and the oblique line in FIG. 59 indicates the region of sunlight that is cut by the optical thin film. That is, the optical thin film selectively transmits light in a wavelength region of about 900 nm to 1000 nm and cuts light in a wavelength region of about 900 nm or less and about 1000 nm or more. The thickness of the optical thin film is appropriately set so as to have such characteristics. For example, the light receiving element 252b has a relative sensitivity of about 50% with respect to light having a wavelength of about 1100 nm, but the light having a wavelength of 1100 nm is not detected by the light receiving element 252b because it is cut by the optical thin film. As described above, since the input device according to the present embodiment can effectively reduce the influence of disturbance light on the light receiving element 252b, the light receiving element 252b appropriately applies light (950 nm) emitted from the light emitting element 252a. Can be detected.

  The optical thin film according to the present embodiment can be applied even if the optical sensor 252 emits light intermittently at the light emission period T or the optical sensor 252 emits light constantly. In the present embodiment, the case where the influence of disturbance light is reduced by the optical thin film has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lens member 255 itself may be formed of a resin having wavelength selectivity.

  Next, another embodiment for reducing the influence of disturbance light will be described.

  In this embodiment, in order to reduce the influence of disturbance light by a circuit, this point will be mainly described.

  FIG. 64 is a diagram illustrating a circuit included in the input device 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 65 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output waveform of the optical sensor when disturbance light is strong and the signal whose waveform is shaped by the circuit shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 64, the circuit 110 includes a comparator 111, formed by the capacitor _{C 1,} and six resistors _R 1 to R _6. The circuit 110 has connection points 112, 113, and 114. A light reception signal from the light receiving element 252 b of the optical sensor 252 is input to the connection point 112. For example, the connection point 113 is connected to a power supply (battery 14) of 3.15 V, and an output signal is obtained from the connection point 114.

Capacitor _{C 1} is connected to the output side of the light receiving element 252b. The resistor R ₃ has one end connected to the ground and the other end connected to the negative input terminal of the comparator 111. The resistor R _5, determined voltage at point A becomes the reference voltage 115 and this voltage is compared with the light receiving element 252b of the output voltage.

  FIG. 65A is a diagram illustrating an output waveform of a light reception signal from the light receiving element 252b when the influence of disturbance light is large. FIG. 65A shows an output waveform of a light reception signal in a state where disturbance light is stronger than the example shown in FIG.

  In a state where the ambient light is strong, a light reception signal may be output when the user's finger is not present in the detection region (see the left in FIG. 65A). Further, in a state where the disturbance light is stronger, even when a finger is present in the detection area, the disturbance light may enter the determination button 211 from the gap between the finger and the lens member 255, for example. As a result, disturbance light is detected by the light receiving element 252b, and the light receiving element 252b may output a light reception signal having a waveform as shown on the right in FIG.

Figure 65 (B) is a diagram showing an output waveform of the light reception signal after passing through the capacitor C _1. As shown on the left of FIG. 65 (B), the light reception signal that has passed through the capacitor C ₁ (removing means) is substantially zero when the user's finger is not present in the detection region because the DC component is cut. . Further, the waveform of the signal when the user's finger is present in the detection region is a waveform as shown on the right in FIG. The waveform shown on the right in FIG. 65B is input to the comparator 111 to be shaped. For example, the signal input to the comparator 111 is compared with a reference voltage 115 which is set by the resistor R ₅ described above, greater signal than the reference voltage is amplified. As a result, the comparator 111 outputs a waveform as shown in FIG.

  The light receiving signal shaped in this way has the same shape as the light receiving signal of the optical sensor in a state where the influence of disturbance light can be ignored (see FIG. 40B). Thereby, the influence of disturbance light can be effectively removed, and the MPU 19 can appropriately determine the input of the received light signal.

The reference voltage 115, considering the voltage value of the pulse voltage input to the comparator 111, resistor R ₅ is appropriately adjusted by being changed.

  Next, another embodiment for reducing the influence of disturbance light will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the influence of disturbance light is reduced by using the difference between the light receiving signal from the light receiving element 252b when the light emitting element 252a emits light and the light receiving signal from the light receiving element 252b when the light emitting element 252a is turned off. Therefore, this point will be mainly described.

  First, the relationship between the distance from the optical sensor 252 (the upper surface 255a of the lens member 255) to the user's finger and the output voltage from the light receiving element 252b will be described.

FIG. 67A shows the output voltage of the light receiving element in a state where the influence of disturbance light can be ignored. 67A and 67A show the output voltage from the light receiving element 252b when the distance from the optical sensor 252 to the user's finger is long. 67A and 67B show the output voltage when the user's finger approaches the optical sensor 252, and FIGS. 67A and 67C show the user's finger further to the optical sensor 252. The output voltage when approaching is shown. As shown in FIG. 67A, as the user's finger approaches the optical sensor 252, the amount of light received by the light receiving element 252b increases, so that the output voltage from the light receiving element 252b increases from V _{1 to} V _3. To do.

  FIG. 67B shows the output voltage of the light receiving element 252b in the state where the influence of disturbance light is large. 67B and 67D show the output voltage of the light receiving element 252b when the user's finger is not present on the optical sensor 252. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 67B and 67D, when the user's finger is not present in the detection region, the light receiving element 252b is continuously affected by the disturbance light and continues to output the light receiving signal. 67B (a) to 67 (c) show output voltages from the light receiving element 252 when the distance from the optical sensor 252 to the user's finger gradually approaches the optical sensor 252 from a long distance. . 67 (B) (a) to (c), the distance from the optical sensor 252 to the user's finger is from the optical sensor 252 in FIGS. 67 (A) (a) to (c). Corresponds to the distance to the user's finger.

As shown in FIG. 67 (B), the closer the user's finger, and the output voltage when the light emitting element 252a is emitting light, the potential difference between the output voltage when off, until V ₁ ~V ₃ To increase. Further, as the user's finger approaches, the output voltage of the light receiving element 252b when the light emitting element 252a is turned off decreases. This is because disturbance light does not reach the light receiving element 252b because the upper surface 255a of the lens member 255 is covered with the user's finger as the user's finger approaches the optical sensor 252.

  Here, comparing FIG. 67A and FIG. 67B, if the distance from the optical sensor 252 to the user's finger is the same, the output voltage of the light receiving element 252b when the light emitting element 252a emits light and the light is turned off. It can be seen that the potential difference from the output voltage at the same time is the same. That is, it can be said that the potential difference between the output voltage of the light receiving element 252b when the light emitting element 252a emits light and the output voltage when the light is turned off are the same regardless of whether the influence of disturbance light is large or small. Therefore, in this embodiment, the influence of disturbance light is removed using this relationship.

  The input device 200 samples and digitally converts the output voltage of the light receiving element 252b when the light emitting element 252a emits light and the output voltage when the light emitting element 252b is turned off. The MPU 19 subtracts the representative value of the sampling value when the light emitting element 252a is turned off from the representative value of the sampling value when the light emitting element 252a emits light to obtain the potential difference. The MPU 19 determines whether or not the potential difference exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If the potential difference exceeds the threshold value, the MPU 19 determines that a light reception signal has been input. On the other hand, if it is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, it is determined that no light reception signal is input. Such processing can effectively reduce the influence of disturbance light.

  Here, the predetermined process may be executed using the potential difference calculated by the above-described process. That is, since the MPU 19 can obtain a potential difference corresponding to the distance from the optical sensor 252 to the user's finger, this potential difference is used. For example, you may have the LED display part from which a color changes according to the distance (electric potential difference) from the optical sensor 252 to a user's finger | toe. Thus, the user can visually recognize whether or not the finger is detected by the optical sensor 252.

  Alternatively, for example, the speed value calculated by the processing illustrated in FIG. 12 may be variable according to the distance (potential difference). In this case, the user adjusts the speed of the pointer 2 on the screen by adjusting the speed of shaking the housing 10 by operating the wrist or arm and adjusting the distance from the optical sensor 252 by operating the finger. Can do.

  Next, another embodiment of the operation unit included in the input device will be described.

  FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of the enter button 511 included in the input device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 66, the difference from the determination button 211 described with reference to FIG. 37 will be mainly described.

  As shown in FIG. 68, the determination button 511 includes a cylindrical body 550 having a recess. An optical sensor 252 is disposed on the bottom surface 250 c of the recess in the cylindrical body 550. The optical sensor 252 is a reflective optical sensor 252 having a light emitting element 252a and a light receiving element 252b. A lens member 555 is provided in the concave portion of the cylindrical body 250. The lens member 555 is formed in the entire recess so as to cover the optical sensor 252, and the optical sensor 252 is resin-sealed by the lens member 555.

  An upper surface 555a of the lens member 555 has a predetermined radius of curvature, and can collect light irradiated by the light emitting element 252a. The radius of curvature of the upper surface 555a of the lens member is set as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 68, the lens member 555 is formed so as to cover the optical sensor 252, so that the reflection surface between the optical sensor 252 and the finger can be reduced. That is, as is apparent from FIG. 68, in this embodiment, the reflective surface between the optical sensor 252 and the finger is only the upper surface 555a of the lens member 555. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light receiving element 252b from detecting light due to the influence of the reflected light. The optical sensor 252 is fixed inside the cylinder 550, and the positional relationship with the upper surface 555a (reflection surface) of the lens member 555 does not change. Therefore, the level of light reflected by the upper surface 255a of the lens member 255 can be stabilized. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the light receiving element 252b from detecting light even though the user's finger is not present in the detection region. Furthermore, the detection region can be stably formed above the lens member 255.

  A light shielding plate 256 may be formed so as to be sandwiched between the light emitting element 252a and the light receiving element 252b. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the light receiving element 252b from directly receiving the light emitted from the light emitting element 252a or indirectly receiving the light reflected by the upper surface 555a of the lens member 555.

  In the above-described embodiments and the description of each embodiment described later, the target of the pressing operation by the user is the determination button 211, but may be the determination button 511.

  Next, another embodiment in which the determination button 211 of the input device 200 is pressed by the user will be described.

  FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input apparatus according to this embodiment. FIG. 56 is a diagram obtained by replacing “light reception signal by moving button” in FIG. 17 and step 301 described above with “light reception signal by optical sensor”. That is, in FIG. 56, the same processing as in FIG. 17 is executed.

  When the determination button 211 is pressed and the input of the operation signal from the switch 215a is started, the MPU 19 performs control so that the pointer 2 does not move on the screen 3 within the first time from the start of the input of the operation signal. (YES in step 1404 to step 1409). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the pointer 2 from moving on the screen 3 by tilting the housing 210 when the user presses the enter button 211.

  When the pressing of the determination button 211 is released and the input of the operation signal from the switch 215a is released, the MPU 19 does not move the pointer 2 on the screen 3 within the second time from the release of the input of the operation signal. (Step 1412 YES to Step 1417). Accordingly, for example, when the user drops an icon that is being dragged, the case 210 can be prevented from being tilted and the icon can be prevented from being dropped at a position not intended by the user.

  When the input of the operation signal is started again before the second time elapses after the input of the operation signal is canceled, the MPU 19 does not input the operation signal again during the first time. The pointer 2 may be controlled not to move on the screen 3 (YES in 1416 to 1409). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the pointer 2 from moving on the screen 3 due to the case 210 tilting at the start of pressing when the user double-clicks the enter button 211, for example.

  When the input of the operation signal is canceled before the first time elapses after the input of the operation signal is started, the MPU 19 displays the screen 3 within the second time from the cancellation of the input of the operation signal. You may control so that the pointer 2 does not move above (YES of 1408-broken line-step 1417). Accordingly, for example, the case 2 can be prevented from moving on the screen 3 by tilting the casing 210 when the user releases the press when the user clicks the determination button 211 or double-clicks. .

  The description of FIG. 56 has been briefly described above, but the operation of the input device 200, the effects to be played, and the like are the same as those in FIG. Note that the control device 40 may mainly execute the processing shown in FIG.

  The input device 200 may execute the same processing as in FIG. In this case, in FIG. 20, “light reception signal by moving button” shown in step 601 may be read as “light reception signal by optical sensor”. That is, when the user enters his / her finger into the detection area and the input of the light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 is started, the MPU 19 moves the pointer 2 on the screen 3 within the third time from the input of the light reception signal. Control not to. Thereby, the same effect as the effect shown in FIG. 20 is produced. Note that the control device 40 may mainly execute such processing.

  Next, another embodiment of the sensor will be described.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the sensor that detects whether or not the user's body (for example, a finger) is present in the detection region is a reflective optical sensor has been described. On the other hand, this embodiment demonstrates the case where a sensor is a transmissive | pervious optical sensor.

  FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of the enter button 411 included in the input device 200 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 60, the enter button 411 includes a cylinder 450 having a hollow portion 451. The cylindrical body 450 has a groove 458 on the upper surface 450 a of the cylindrical body 450. The groove 458 has a size slightly larger than the user's finger. Inside the cylindrical body 450, a light emitting element 452a and a light receiving element 452b are arranged so as to face each other with the groove 458 interposed therebetween. The light-emitting element 452a and the light-receiving element 452b form a transmissive optical sensor 452. In this embodiment, the transmission type optical sensor 452 forms a detection region on the determination button 411 and between the grooves 458 for detecting the presence / absence of the user's body.

  A part of the wall surface 450b forming the groove 458 of the cylindrical body 450 is provided with a transmission portion 457 that can transmit light emitted from the light emitting element 452a. The transmitting portions 457 are provided on the light emitting element 452a side and the light receiving element 452b side, respectively, and are arranged on a straight line connecting the light emitting element 452a and the light receiving element 452b. The transmission part 457 is formed of light transmissive resin such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin, for example.

  The above-described optical thin film may be formed in the transmission portion 457 on the light receiving element 452b side. Thereby, the influence of disturbance light can be effectively removed. The optical thin film may be formed on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 452b. Alternatively, an optical thin film may be provided not only on the light receiving element 452b side but also on the transmitting portion 457 on the light emitting element 452a side. Alternatively, the transmissive portion 457 itself may be formed of a resin having a wavelength selectivity characteristic.

  Next, the operation of the input device 200 having the determination button 411 will be described.

  FIG. 61 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the operation. FIG. 61 is a flowchart in which the determination in step 701 shown in FIG. 38 and the determination in step 704 are reversed. That is, in this embodiment, the MPU 19 controls the output of the movement command so that the pointer 2 moves on the screen 3 when the input of the light reception signal from the reflection type optical sensor 452 is released. Further, the MPU 19 controls the output of the movement command so that the movement of the pointer 2 on the screen 3 stops when the input of the light reception signal from the reflection type optical sensor 452 is started.

  When the user does not enter the groove 458 and no finger is present in the detection region, the light receiving element 452b detects light emitted from the light emitting element 452a. Therefore, the light receiving element 452b outputs a light reception signal as a light reception signal, and this light reception signal is input to the MPU 19. When the light reception signal is input (NO in step 1501), the MPU 19 stops outputting the movement command or outputs a movement command with the displacement amount set to zero (step 1502).

  When the user causes the finger to enter the groove 458, the light emitted from the optical sensor 452 is blocked by the finger. Accordingly, the light receiving element 452b cannot detect the light emitted from the light emitting element 452a, and the output of the light receiving signal to the MPU 19 is stopped. When the input of the light receiving signal from the light receiving element 452b is canceled (YES in step 1501), the MPU 19 starts outputting the movement command (step 1503). That is, the MPU 19 controls the output of the movement command so as to start the movement of the pointer 2 when the user's body is present in the detection area (output control means).

  When the user removes his / her finger from the groove and removes his / her finger from the detection area, the light receiving element 452b detects light from the light emitting element 252a and starts outputting a light receiving signal. When the MPU 19 starts to input a light receiving signal from the light receiving element 452b (YES in step 1504), the MPU 19 stops outputting the movement command (step 1505). That is, the MPU 19 controls the output of the movement command so as to stop the movement of the pointer 2 when the user's body does not exist within the detection area.

  Other operations and effects are the same as those in the embodiment shown in FIG.

  Similarly to the flowchart shown in FIG. 19, the output of the movement command may be stopped when the user is making a finger enter the detection area. In this case, the user can stop the pointer by inserting a finger into the groove 458, and can start moving the pointer by removing the finger from the groove 458. Thereby, the pointer 2 and the like can be reliably operated.

  The above-described embodiments described as the reflective optical sensor 252 can all be applied to the input device 200 having the transmissive optical sensor 452 (for example, the optical sensor emits light at a predetermined cycle). And removing the effects of ambient light). In this case, the flowchart of the operation of the input device 200 may be read with the same purpose as that shown in FIG. Thereby, there exists an effect similar to each embodiment which has the reflection type optical sensor 252.

  Next, another embodiment of the input device will be described.

  FIG. 57 is a diagram showing the lower casing and the main board of the input device according to this embodiment, as viewed from above. In the description of this embodiment, members having the same functions as those of the input device 200 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is simplified or omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 57, a capacitance sensor 352 is arranged on the main board 246 of the input device 300 so as to surround the switch 215a. That is, in this embodiment, a capacitance sensor 352 is provided instead of the optical sensor 252. A detection area is formed on the determination button 211 by the capacitance sensor 352.

  The detection area formed by the capacitance sensor 352 may be spatially formed on the determination button 211 or may be formed in a plane. That is, the capacitance sensor 352 may detect a finger when the user enters a spatial area on the determination button 211, and when the user touches the surface of the determination button 211 A touched finger may be detected. The spatial area and the planar area of the detection region are adjusted by appropriately designing the capacitance sensor 352.

  The capacitance sensor 352 may be disposed at any position on the main board 246 as long as the detection region can be formed on the determination button 211.

  Even if the optical sensor 252 is the capacitance sensor 352, the same processing as in the above-described FIG. 38, FIG. 56, and FIG. In addition, the capacitance sensor 352 can perform the same processing as in FIG. In this case, the MPU only needs to execute the processing excluding step 1001 in FIG. Thereby, the normal mode and the power saving mode can be switched, and the power saving of the entire input device 300 is realized.

  Next, another embodiment of the input device will be described.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the detection area is formed on the determination button (operation unit) has been described. In the present embodiment, since the detection region is different from the above-described embodiments in that the detection area is arranged at a position different from that on the operation unit, this point will be mainly described.

  FIG. 62 is a perspective view showing the input device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 62, the points different from FIG. 31 will be mainly described.

  As shown in FIG. 62, the input device 400 includes a housing 210, and an operation unit 223 is disposed on the upper surface 210 c of the housing 210. The operation unit 223 includes a determination button 311, a center button 212, a button 213, and a button 214. In the present embodiment, for example, a detection area is formed on a predetermined area 312 on the upper surface 210 c of the housing 210 and closer to the end than the enter button 311. This detection region 312 is formed by, for example, a reflective optical sensor 252. The optical sensor 252 is disposed inside the housing 210 and below a predetermined area 312. The position of the optical sensor 252 is not particularly limited as long as the detection area can be formed on the predetermined area 312.

  Next, the operation of the input device 400 will be described. FIG. 63 is a flowchart showing the operation. In the description of FIG. 63, the difference from the operation shown in FIG. 38 will be mainly described.

  When the user enters the detection area formed on the predetermined area 312 or touches the area 312 with the finger, the optical sensor 252 detects the finger. When the optical sensor 252 detects the user's finger, the optical sensor 252 outputs a light reception signal. When the MPU 19 starts to input the received light signal (YES in step 1601), the MPU 19 starts to output the movement command (step 1603).

  For example, the user moves the pointer 2 by shaking the input device 400 in a state where a finger has entered the detection area, and positions the pointer 2 on the icon 4. Then, the user removes his / her finger from the detection area on the predetermined area 312. When the user removes his / her finger from the detection area, the input of the light reception signal from the optical sensor 252 to the MPU 19 is canceled (YES in step 1604). Then, the MPU 19 stops outputting the movement command or starts outputting the movement command with the displacement amount set to zero (step 1605). Thereby, the user can stop the pointer on the icon 4, for example.

  When the MPU 19 stops outputting the movement command (step 1605), the MPU 19 determines whether or not an operation signal is input from the switch 215a disposed below the determination button 311 (step 1606). When the user presses the enter button 311, an operation signal from the switch 215 a is output and input to the MPU 19 (YES in step 1606). When the operation signal is input, the MPU 19 outputs a determination command (step 1607). In this case, the MPU 19 outputs a determination command in response to the input of the operation signal from the switch 215a when the user's finger is not present in the detection area (step 1607). The MPU 19 may output a determination command when the pressing of the determination button 311 is released and the input of the operation signal from the switch 215a is released.

  Accordingly, the user can stop the pointer 2 on the icon 4 on the screen 3, confirm that the pointer 2 is positioned on the icon 4, and press the determination button 311, so that the reliable GUI operation can be performed. Is possible. In addition, even a user who is not good at pointing operation can perform reliable GUI operation, and thus the operational feeling can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the sensor that forms the detection region is described as the reflection type optical sensor 252, but may be a capacitance sensor 352. Alternatively, the sensor may be a transmissive optical sensor 452.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined area 312 has been described as the end of the upper surface 210 c of the housing 210. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the predetermined region 312 may be disposed on the side surface of the housing 210. In this case, the user controls the start and stop of the movement of the pointer 2 by causing the index finger or the middle finger to enter the detection area. Alternatively, the predetermined region 312 may be disposed on the lower surface of the housing 210.

  Next, a case where the optical sensor 252 is used other than the input device will be described.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 39 to 41, the optical sensor 252 emits light periodically, so that the power consumption of the optical sensor 252 can be reduced. Further, a pulsed voltage is intermittently supplied to the light-emitting element 252a and a voltage is continuously supplied to the light-receiving element 252b, thereby preventing stray capacitance from being generated in the light-receiving element 270b. Thereby, erroneous detection of the light receiving element 252b can be prevented.

  That is, the voltage is controlled so that a voltage is intermittently supplied to the light emitting element at a predetermined cycle, and a light emitting element that emits light, a light receiving element that detects the light, and continuously regardless of the cycle. According to the optical sensor provided with the voltage control means for controlling the voltage so as to supply the voltage to the light receiving element, it is possible to appropriately realize power saving and to prevent erroneous detection of light.

  This optical sensor 252 may be used, for example, as a sensor for focusing just before the shutter button of a digital camera is operated, for detecting paper in a copying machine or a printer, or for detecting timing. You may use as a sensor for rotational speed detection. Alternatively, the optical sensor 252 may be used as an optical sensor 252 for detecting a human body such as a toilet or a washroom, and can be used for various other purposes.

  Here, the optical sensor 252 may be “reflection type” or “transmission type”. That is, regardless of whether it is a reflection type or a transmission type, it is appropriate if a voltage is intermittently supplied to the light emitting element 252a at a predetermined cycle and a voltage is continuously supplied to the light receiving element 252b. In addition, power saving can be realized, and furthermore, erroneous detection of light can be prevented.

  The optical sensor may further include period control means for variably controlling the period. For example, when it is less necessary for the optical sensor to detect the presence / absence of the detection target, the power can be further saved by increasing the period.

  The optical sensor has a detection area for detecting the presence of a detection object, and the period control means takes a long time from when the detection object is no longer detected in the detection area until the presence is detected. Accordingly, the period is controlled so that the period becomes longer. Alternatively, the optical sensor has a detection area for detecting the presence of the detection object, and the cycle control means detects the detection object in the detection area after the supply of power from a power source to the optical sensor is started. The period may be controlled so that the period becomes longer as the time until the presence of is detected becomes longer.

For example, as described above with reference to FIGS. 47 to 49, the reference cycle T _{0 is set} to the first cycle after the first preset time has elapsed after the input of the light reception signal from the light receiving element 252 b is canceled. Moreover, what is necessary is just to perform the process which makes a 1st period a 2nd period after 2nd preset time elapses after the input of the light reception signal from the light receiving element 252b is cancelled | released.

  In FIG. 47, steps 1106 to 1108 are unique processes when the optical sensor 252 is applied to the input device 200. Therefore, when the optical sensor 252 is applied to an electronic device or the like other than the input device, steps 1106 to 1108 may perform processing unique to the electronic device.

  In the optical sensor, the light receiving element outputs a light reception signal corresponding to the detected intensity of the light, and the light sensor receives a light reception signal according to a change amount of an output value of the light reception signal. It may further comprise determination means for determining whether or not.

  For example, the processing described with reference to FIGS. 53 and 54 may be executed to determine whether or not a light reception signal has been input. Thereby, the influence of disturbance light can be effectively removed.

  Or you may perform the process demonstrated in FIG. That is, the MPU only has to recognize the amount of change in the output voltage by sampling the output voltage from the light receiving element 252b and converting it into a digital signal, and determine whether or not the received light signal has been input. Thereby, since the light emission time of the light emitting element 252a can be shortened, the power consumption of the optical sensor 252 can be further reduced. Furthermore, since it is determined whether or not a light reception signal is input according to the amount of change in the output voltage, the influence of disturbance light can be effectively removed.

  In order to reduce the influence of disturbance light, an optical thin film (wavelength selection film) is formed on the upper surface 255a of the lens member 255 or the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 252b as described with reference to FIGS. May be. That is, the optical sensor may further include a wavelength selection region that selectively transmits light belonging to the wavelength region of the light emitted from the light emitting element among the light irradiated to the light receiving element. The light emitting element 252a may irradiate light belonging to near infrared light having a central wavelength near 950 nm, and the light receiving element 252b may have a peak value of relative sensitivity near 950 nm. In this case, for example, the optical thin film is formed so as to selectively transmit light in a wavelength region of 900 nm to 1000 nm and cut light belonging to wavelength regions of 900 nm or less and 1000 nm or more.

  Alternatively, as described in FIGS. 64 and 65, the influence of disturbance light may be reduced by a circuit. That is, in the optical sensor, the light receiving element outputs a light receiving signal corresponding to the detected intensity of the light, and the optical sensor inputs the light receiving signal and removes a DC component of the light receiving signal. And removing means for shaping, and waveform shaping means for shaping the waveform of the received light signal from which the DC component has been removed. Thereby, the influence of disturbance light can be effectively removed.

  Next, a case where the operation unit 223 is used for other electronic devices will be described.

  By the way, a so-called two-stage switch that is operated by a two-stage pressing operation is widely used as an operation unit of various electronic devices. For example, this two-stage switch is used for a camera or the like. In this case, for example, a mode in which an autofocus function is assigned to the first stage and a shutter function is assigned to the second stage is known. The user presses the two-stage switch to the first stage and maintains the so-called half-pressed state to focus the camera. The user confirms that the subject is in focus and presses the second-stage switch up to the second stage to release the shutter.

  However, pressing the two-stage switch to the first stage and maintaining the half-pressed state is not always easy, and there is a problem that the feeling of operation is poor. For example, even if the user recognizes that the half-pressed state is maintained, there is a case where the first stage of the two-stage switch is not actually pressed and the autofocus function is not activated. On the other hand, when the user tries to press the second-stage switch to the first stage, the user may press the second-stage switch and the shutter may be released. In addition, when the user presses the two-stage switch to the first stage and maintains the half-pressed state, there is a problem that it is difficult to determine whether or not the camera is in focus.

  Such a problem can be solved by the operation unit 223 (including the determination button 211 (or the determination button 411) and the switch) described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 38, 57, and 60.

  The operation unit 223 (sensor module) includes a pressing member having a pressing surface, a sensor having a detection region that detects the presence of the user's body on the pressing surface, and a detecting unit that detects a pressing operation of the pressing member. It comprises.

  The “detection area” includes a spatial area and a planar area. The sensor may be a reflective optical sensor 252, a transmissive optical sensor 452, or a capacitance sensor 352. Any sensor may be used as long as it can form a detection region on the pressing surface.

  Thereby, the user can operate the autofocus function of the camera, for example, by causing the finger to enter the detection area or touching the detection area with the finger. Therefore, the user does not need to maintain the half-pressed state, and can operate the operation unit without stress.

  Further, according to the above-described configuration, the user can operate the operation unit 223 by a series of simple finger operations such as causing a finger to enter the detection area and pressing the finger in the detection area. Thereby, the user can intuitively operate two different functions (for example, an autofocus function and a shutter function). Of course, the operation unit 223 may be used in an electronic device other than the camera.

  Here, in FIG. 38 described above, processing when the operation unit 223 is applied to the input device is described. In FIG. 38, step 702, step 703, step 705, and step 707 are unique processes when the operation unit 223 is applied to the input device. Therefore, when the operation unit 223 is applied to an electronic device other than the input device, the above-described steps may be performed as long as processing unique to the electronic device is performed.

  In the operation unit, the sensor includes a light emitting element that irradiates light to the detection area, a light receiving element that detects the light reflected by the detection area, and intermittently applies a voltage to the light emitting element at a predetermined cycle. Voltage control means for controlling the voltage so as to supply the voltage and continuously supplying the voltage to the light receiving element irrespective of the period may be provided.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 39 to 41, the optical sensor 252 emits light periodically, so that the power consumption of the optical sensor 252 can be reduced. Further, a pulsed voltage is intermittently supplied to the light-emitting element 252a and a voltage is continuously supplied to the light-receiving element 252b, thereby preventing stray capacitance from being generated in the light-receiving element 270b. Thereby, erroneous detection of the light receiving element 252b can be prevented.

  The operation unit may further include cycle control means for variably controlling the cycle. For example, when it is less necessary for the optical sensor to detect the presence / absence of the detection target, the power can be further saved by increasing the period.

  Typically, the cycle control means sets the cycle so that the cycle becomes longer as the time from when the presence of the user's body is no longer detected in the detection region until the presence is detected becomes longer. Control. Alternatively, the cycle control means may increase the cycle as the time from when the supply of power from the power source to the sensor is started until the presence of the user's body is detected in the detection region becomes longer. The period may be controlled.

For example, as described above with reference to FIGS. 47 to 49, the reference cycle T _{0 is set} to the first cycle after the first preset time has elapsed after the input of the light reception signal from the light receiving element 252 b is canceled. Moreover, what is necessary is just to perform the process which makes a 1st period a 2nd period after 2nd preset time elapses after the input of the light reception signal from the light receiving element 252b is cancelled | released.

  In FIG. 47, steps 1106 to 1108 are unique processes when the optical sensor 252 is applied to the input device 200. Therefore, when the optical sensor 252 is applied to an electronic device or the like other than the input device, steps 1106 to 1108 may perform processing unique to the electronic device.

  In the sensor, the light receiving element outputs a light receiving signal corresponding to the detected intensity of the light, and the sensor inputs the light receiving signal, and according to a change amount of an output value of the light receiving signal. A determination unit that determines whether or not a light reception signal is input may be further provided.

  For example, it may be determined whether or not a light reception signal is input by the processing described with reference to FIGS. Thereby, the influence of disturbance light can be effectively removed.

  Or you may perform the process demonstrated in FIG. In other words, the MPU may recognize the amount of change in the output voltage by sampling the output voltage from the light receiving element 252b and converting it to a digital signal, and may determine whether or not the received light signal is input. Thereby, since the light emission time of the light emitting element 252a can be shortened, the power consumption of the optical sensor 252 can be further reduced. Furthermore, since it is determined whether or not a light reception signal is input according to the amount of change in the output voltage, the influence of disturbance light can be effectively removed.

  In order to reduce the influence of disturbance light, an optical thin film (wavelength selection film) is formed on the upper surface 255a of the lens member 255 or the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 252b as described with reference to FIGS. Also good. That is, the sensor includes a light emitting element that irradiates light to the detection region, a light receiving element that detects the light reflected by the detection region, and the light emitted from the light emitting element. A wavelength selection region that selectively transmits light belonging to the wavelength region of the emitted light. The light emitting element 252a may irradiate light belonging to near infrared light having a central wavelength near 950 nm, and the light receiving element 252b may have a peak value of relative sensitivity near 950 nm. In this case, for example, the optical thin film is formed so as to selectively transmit light in a wavelength region of 900 nm to 1000 nm and cut light in a wavelength region of 900 nm or less and 1000 nm or more.

  Alternatively, as described in FIGS. 64 and 65, the influence of disturbance light may be reduced by a circuit. That is, in the operation unit, the light receiving element outputs a light reception signal corresponding to the detected intensity of the light, and the operation unit inputs the light reception signal and removes a DC component of the light reception signal. And removing means for shaping, and waveform shaping means for shaping the waveform of the received light signal from which the DC component has been removed. Thereby, the influence of disturbance light can be effectively removed.

  Each embodiment described above is applicable also to a handheld device. The handheld device is a device in which a display unit is provided in a device such as an input device, and a pointer and other images are displayed on the display unit. In this case, a motion sensor and various two-stage switches can be applied to the handheld device. The various two-stage switches are the two-stage push type switches shown in FIGS. 7 and 22, or the two-stage switches using the optical sensors shown in FIGS. 37, 57, 60, 62, and 68 to 80. Switch. In addition, when each of the above embodiments is applied to a handheld device, the handheld device is configured as shown in FIG. 12 (except for transmission and reception of speed values in steps 116 and 117), FIG. 17, FIG. 19, FIG. 43, 44, 46, 47, 50, 54, 56, 61, or 63 to 65 can be executed.

  Examples of the handheld device include a mobile phone, a small PC, and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance).

  Although the input device according to each of the above embodiments has been described as a mode in which input information is wirelessly transmitted to the control device, the input information may be transmitted by wire.

  In each of the above embodiments, the pointer 2 that moves on the screen in accordance with the movement of the input device or the like is represented as an arrow image. However, the image of the pointer 2 is not limited to the arrow, and may be a simple circle, a square, or the like, a character image, or another image.

  The detection axes of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the acceleration sensor unit 16 such as the sensor unit 17 do not necessarily have to be orthogonal to each other like the X ′ axis and the Y ′ axis described above. In that case, the respective accelerations projected in the axial directions orthogonal to each other are obtained by calculation using trigonometric functions. Similarly, the angular velocities around the mutually orthogonal axes can be obtained by calculation using trigonometric functions.

  In addition, for the sensor unit 17 described in each of the above embodiments, the detection axes of the X ′ and Y ′ of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 coincide with the detection axes of the X ′ and Y ′ axes of the acceleration sensor unit 16. Explained the form. However, these axes do not necessarily coincide. For example, when the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the acceleration sensor unit 16 are mounted on the substrate, the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the acceleration sensor unit 16 are arranged so that the detection axes of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the acceleration sensor unit 16 do not coincide with each other. It may be mounted with a predetermined rotational angle shifted within the main surface of the substrate. In that case, acceleration and angular velocity of each axis can be obtained by calculation using a trigonometric function.

  Next, a switch module on which an optical sensor is mounted will be described.

  FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch module according to an embodiment. FIG. 70 is an exploded sectional view, and FIG. 71 is a plan view of the switch module.

  The switch module 230 includes a shield case 131, an elastic material 133, a sensor module body 500, and a cover 132.

  The shield case 131 has an accommodation space 131a that penetrates the main body of the shield case 131, and is accommodated so that the sensor module 500 is fitted into the accommodation space 131a. The accommodation space 131a does not penetrate through the main body, and the shield case 131 may have a bottom. The shield case 131 functions as a support body that supports the cover 132 and the sensor module body 500.

  The shield case 131 is made of a material that blocks the above disturbance light. As the material, a known material such as resin or metal may be used. The shield case 131 has a cylindrical shape, for example, but may have other shapes such as a prism.

  The sensor module body 500 includes an optical sensor 510 including a light emitting element 501 and a light receiving element 502, and a holding case 503 that integrally holds the light emitting element 501 and the light receiving element 502. The holding case 503 has recesses 504 and 505, and in these recesses 504 and 505, the light emitting element 501 and the light receiving element 502 are respectively sealed by the sealing material 507 and are integrally held by the holding case 503. Yes.

  As the sealing material 507, a material that can transmit light having a predetermined wavelength region emitted from the light-emitting element 501 (the above-described infrared light, visible light, or the like) may be used. For example, a known resin material such as acrylic, polycarbonate, PET, PMMA, or ABS may be used as the material.

  The optical sensor 510 may have the same configuration as the optical sensor 252 such as having a light emitting element 501 and a light receiving element 502. Between the light emitting element 501 and the light receiving element 502, a wall member 506 is provided to shield the light emitted from the light emitting element 501 from being directly received by the light receiving element 502. That is, the wall member 506 has the function of the light shielding plate 256 shown in FIG. The wall member 506 is erected substantially at the center of the holding case 503, for example. The holding case 503 has a prismatic shape, but may have a cylindrical shape or other shapes.

  The cover 132 is provided so that a force (including a pressing force) by a user's contact can be applied. As described above, the detection region of the optical sensor 510 is provided on the upper surface side of the cover 132. For example, the upper surface of the cover 132 serves as a contact surface that the user's finger 98 touches as described above. However, another cover material (not shown) such as a decorative board may be mounted on the cover 132. In that case, a force is applied to the cover 132 by the user through the decorative plate. The pressing member of the operation unit 223 (sensor module) described above has substantially the same configuration and function as the cover 132.

  The cover 132 is attached to the upper end of the shield case 131 so that an absorption region is provided between the cover 132 and the sensor module body 500. Here, the absorption region is the elastic material 133.

  The cover 132 may be made of a material that can transmit light (such as the above-described infrared light and visible light) emitted from the light-emitting element 501 and having a predetermined wavelength region. As the material, for example, a known material such as acrylic, polycarbonate, PET, PMMA, or ABS may be used. The material of the cover 132 may be the same as or different from the material of the sealing material 507.

  As described above, the elastic member 133 forms an absorption region that is provided between the cover 132 and the sensor module body 500 and absorbs the force applied to the cover 132 by the user. As the elastic material 133, a known material such as rubber, alpha gel, or other resin may be used.

  The sealing material 507, the elastic material 133, and the cover 132 may all be the same material, or may be different materials. In particular, for example, if the sealing material 507 and the elastic material 133 (or all of the members 507, 133, and 132) have substantially the same or similar refractive index of light, a broken line in FIG. It is possible to effectively prevent the generation of reflected light such as the shown light beam. When the reflected light is generated, the reflected light is incident on the light receiving element 502, and there is a risk that erroneous detection may occur as in the case where the light receiving element 502 receives the disturbance light as described above. Erroneous detection can be prevented.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the elastic material 133 is provided between the cover 132 and the sensor module body 500. Thereby, even if force is applied to the cover 132 by the user, it is possible to eliminate the concern that the sensor module body 500 is damaged.

  FIG. 72 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch module according to another embodiment. In the following description, the same members, functions, and the like included in the switch module 130 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 69 and the like will not be described or will be mainly described.

  The switch module 140 is different from the switch module 130 in that the absorption region is a space 143. Thus, the space 143 can absorb the force applied to the cover 132 by the user and prevent the sensor module body 500 from being damaged.

  In the switch module 140, when it is desired to remove the reflected light from the cover 132 indicated by the dashed arrow, an antireflection film is provided on the side where the absorption region is provided, that is, the lower surface side of the cover 132, as in the switch module 150 shown in FIG. 155 may be provided. The antireflection film 155 may be provided on the upper surface side (detection region side) of the cover 132, or may be provided on both the lower surface side and the upper surface side of the cover 132.

  Alternatively, a wavelength selection film (not shown) may be provided in place of the antireflection film 155 or so as to be laminated on the antireflection film 155. The wavelength selective film may be the wavelength selective film described above. The wavelength selection film may be disposed anywhere in the optical path from the light emitting element 501 to the light receiving element 502.

  FIG. 74 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch module according to still another embodiment.

  The cover 142 of the switch module 160 has a protrusion 142a on the lower surface side. Since the projection 142a blocks light reflected from the lower surface of the cover 142 by the light emitting element 501, the light receiving element 502 can be prevented from detecting the reflected light. As shown in FIG. 74, the protrusion 142a does not have to have a triangular cross section, and the cross section may be a polygon having a square or more.

  For example, when the projection 144a having a lens shape is provided on the lower surface side of the cover 144 as in the switch module 170 shown in FIG. 75, the following effects are obtained. The protrusion 144a can prevent the reflected light from reaching the light receiving element 502 and can efficiently collect the reflected light from the user's finger on the light receiving element 502 as described in the embodiment corresponding to FIG. It becomes.

  FIG. 76 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch module according to still another embodiment.

  The absorption region of the switch module 180 includes a space 143 and an elastic material 135 provided in the space 143. For example, the elastic member 135 is provided on the wall member 506 of the holding case 503 so as to extend to the wall member 506, and the upper end of the elastic member 135 is in contact with the lower surface of the cover 132. The width d1 of the elastic member 135 is configured to be substantially the same as the width d2 of the wall member 506, but may be slightly different. Alternatively, the width d1 of the elastic material 135 may be narrower than the width of the elastic material 133 shown in FIG. 69 and wider than the width d2.

  Since the wall member 135 blocks the light reflected from the lower surface of the cover 132 by the light emitting element 501, the light receiving element 502 can be prevented from detecting the reflected light, and the force applied to the cover 132 can be effectively absorbed. be able to.

  Alternatively, as in the switch module 190 illustrated in FIG. 77, the lower end of the elastic member 135 may not be in contact with the wall member 506 as long as the elastic member 135 can block the reflected light. Alternatively, although not illustrated, the lower end of the elastic member 135 may be in contact with the wall member 506 and the upper end thereof may not be in contact with the cover 132.

  FIG. 78 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch module according to still another embodiment.

  The cover 172 of the switch module 210 includes an optical path 136 of the sensor module body 500 formed so as to gradually spread from the transmission opening surface 137 provided on the upper surface side toward the sensor module body 500 side. That is, the transmission opening surface 137 that is the upper end of the optical path 136 is formed narrower than the arrangement surface S including the surface on which the light emitting element 501 and the light receiving element 502 are arranged. The material of the optical path 136 may be the same as the material of the sealing material 507, for example, but may be a different material.

  Thus, the following effects can be obtained by forming the transmissive aperture surface 137 to be narrow. For example, disturbance light is prevented from entering the sensor module 500 when the user's finger 98 comes into contact with the cover 132. In particular, it is known that infrared light among disturbance light easily passes through the meat portion 98a of the user's finger 98, but the bone portion 98b easily absorbs the infrared light. Accordingly, although there are individual differences among users, the provision of the narrow transmission opening surface 137 corresponding to the size of the bone 98b can prevent the incidence of disturbance light including infrared rays.

  FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch module according to still another embodiment.

  The switch module 220 is different from the switch module 210 shown in FIG. 78 in that the cover 163 is provided with a shielding wall 163a that shields ambient light. In other words, the cover 163 has a concave surface composed of a bottom including a transmission opening surface 137 that receives a force from the user and a shielding wall 163a having a height higher than the bottom. When the cover 163 has a substantially quadrangular shape when viewed in plan, the shielding wall 163a is provided along the three sides of the quadrilateral of the cover 163, as shown in FIG. Thus, since the shielding wall 163a is provided so as to surround the tip of the user's finger 98, it is possible to suppress disturbance light from entering the sensor module 500. In addition, since the transmission opening surface 137 is formed narrow, as shown in FIG. 78, the infrared rays of disturbance light that has passed through the flesh portion 98a of the finger 98 are prevented from entering the sensor module 500. Can do.

  Further, when the user applies a force to the cover 163 due to such a concave surface, the shielding wall 163a has a function of guiding the user's finger to a position directly above the transmission opening surface 137. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the position of the switch module 220 by tactile sense without being limited to the visual sense.

  The shielding wall 163a is not limited to being provided along the three sides of the cover 163, and may be provided on one, two, or four sides. When the shape of the cover 163 viewed in a plane is a circle or an ellipse, the shielding wall only needs to be provided at least at a part along the periphery of the circle or ellipse.

  A switch module having a combination of at least two of the features included in the switch modules 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 210, and 220 shown in FIGS. 69 to 80 is also possible. For example, the elastic member 133 shown in FIG. 69 may be provided in the switch modules 160 (see FIG. 74), 210 (see FIG. 78), and 220 (see FIG. 79). Alternatively, the shielding wall 163a of the switch module 220 may be provided in the other switch modules 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190.

  Of course, the switch modules 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 210 and 220 described above are provided on the push-type switch shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, etc., and are configured as a two-stage switch. May be.

1. A detection unit comprising: a detection region; a light emitting element that emits light to detect a detection object in the detection region; and a light receiving element that detects light emitted from the light emitting element;
Voltage control means for controlling the voltage so as to supply the voltage to the light emitting element intermittently at a predetermined period, and to control the voltage so as to continuously supply the voltage to the light receiving element regardless of the period. An optical sensor comprising:
2. The optical sensor according to claim 1,
An optical sensor further comprising cycle control means for variably controlling the cycle.
3. The optical sensor according to claim 2,
The period control means is an optical sensor that controls the period so that the period becomes longer as the time from when the detection object is no longer detected until the detection object is detected becomes longer.
4). The optical sensor according to claim 2,
The cycle control means is a light that controls the cycle so that the cycle becomes longer as the time from when the supply of power from the power source to the optical sensor is started until the detection target is detected becomes longer. Sensor.
5). The optical sensor according to claim 1,
The light receiving element outputs a light receiving signal corresponding to the detected light intensity,
The optical sensor further includes determination means for determining whether or not a light reception signal is input according to a change amount of an output value of the light reception signal.
6). The optical sensor according to claim 5,
The light-emitting element that emits light in the cycle determines input of the light-receiving signal according to whether a difference between an output value of the light-receiving signal at the time of light emission and a light-receiving signal output value at the time of extinction exceeds a predetermined threshold Input device.
7). The optical sensor according to claim 1,
An optical sensor further comprising a wavelength selection region that selectively transmits light belonging to a wavelength region of the light emitted from the light emitting element among the light irradiated to the light receiving element.
8). The optical sensor according to claim 1,
The light receiving element outputs a light receiving signal corresponding to the detected intensity of the light,
The optical sensor is
Removing means for inputting the received light signal and removing a DC component of the received light signal;
An optical sensor further comprising waveform shaping means for shaping the waveform of the received light signal from which the DC component has been removed.
9. The optical sensor according to claim 1,
A pressing member that has a pressing surface that is pressed by a user, and is provided so that the detection region is disposed on the pressing surface;
An optical sensor comprising: a detecting unit that detects a pressing operation of the pressing member.
10. A transmission member made of a transmission material having a pressing surface pressed by the user and transmitting light;
An optical sensor having a detection region for detecting the presence of the user's body on the pressing surface;
A support member that integrally supports the pressing member and the optical sensor;
A sensor module comprising: a detecting unit that detects a pressing operation of the pressing member.
11. The sensor module according to claim 10,
The optical sensor is an input device that is resin-sealed by the transmissive member.
12 The sensor module according to claim 10,
The optical sensor is
A light emitting element that emits the light to the detection region;
A light receiving element that is arranged to line up with the light emitting element in a direction different from the direction from the light emitting element toward the detection region, and that detects the light,
The support member is
A holding base for holding the light emitting element and the light receiving element;
An input device comprising: a light shielding member that is provided on the holding base between the light emitting element and the light receiving element so as to be in contact with the transmitting member and shields the light from the light emitting element.

It is a figure which shows the control system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows an input device. It is a figure which shows typically the structure inside an input device. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of an input device. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed on a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows a mode that the user grasped the input device. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation button 11. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the typical example of how to move an input device, and the movement of the pointer on a screen by this. It is a perspective view which shows a sensor unit. It is a figure for demonstrating the influence of the gravity on an acceleration sensor unit. It is another figure in order to demonstrate the influence of gravity on an acceleration sensor unit. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement when the velocity value of an input device is calculated based on the angular velocity value detected by the angular velocity sensor unit. It is the figure which looked at the user who operates an input device from the top. The example of the locus | trajectory of the input device seen in the X-axis and the Y-axis plane is shown. It is a flowchart which shows other embodiment mentioned above. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an input device when the operation button shown in FIG. 7 is pushed. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which concerns on other embodiment when the determination button of an operation button is operated. It is a functional block diagram of the input device for implement | achieving the operation | movement shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the input device which concerns on another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the input device which concerns on another embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the input device which concerns on other embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the push button of the input device shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the input device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is the side view seen from the rotary button side of the input device shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that a user touches the lower curved surface of an input device on a knee. It is a perspective view which shows the input device which concerns on another embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the input device which concerns on another embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the input device shown in FIG. It is a front view which shows the input device which concerns on another embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the form shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the input device which concerns on another embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation part of the input device shown in FIG. It is the figure which looked at the operation part shown in FIG. 32 from the downward side. It is the figure which looked at the operation part arrange | positioned in the upper housing | casing of an input device from the downward side. It is a figure which shows a lower housing | casing and a main board | substrate, and is the figure seen from the upper side. It is a schematic diagram which shows the internal structure of an input device. It is sectional drawing of a determination button. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an input device. It is a circuit diagram of the optical sensor which an input device has. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the voltage supplied to a light emitting element, and the voltage output from a light receiving element. It is a circuit diagram of a general photo reflector. It is a figure which shows the output voltage at the time of supplying a pulse-form voltage to this photo reflector. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the input device which concerns on another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the input device which concerns on another embodiment. 45 is a timing chart for explaining the operation shown in FIG. 44. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the input device which concerns on another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the input device which concerns on another embodiment. It is the figure which showed the relationship between the time t after the input of the 1st operation signal from an optical sensor was cancelled | released, and the light emission period T of the optical sensor 252. It is a figure which shows the light emission period T of a photosensor when predetermined time passes since the input of a 1st operation signal was cancelled | released. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the input device which concerns on another embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the light emission period T of an optical sensor, and the speed value V. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the light emission period T of an optical sensor, and the speed value V. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the influence of disturbance light, and is a figure which shows the relationship between the input voltage to a light emitting element, and the output voltage from an optical sensor. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the input device which concerns on another embodiment. It is an enlarged view which shows the relationship between the input voltage to a light emitting element, and the output voltage from an optical sensor. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the input device which concerns on another embodiment. It is a figure which shows the lower housing | casing and main board | substrate of the input device which concerns on another embodiment, and is the figure seen from the upper side. It is a figure which shows wavelength distribution of sunlight. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the wavelength distribution of sunlight, the spectral sensitivity characteristic of a light receiving element, and the characteristic of an optical thin film. It is sectional drawing of the determination button which the input device which concerns on another embodiment has. It is a figure which shows one Embodiment about operation | movement of the input device which concerns on another embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the input device which concerns on another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the input device which concerns on another embodiment. It is a figure which shows the circuit which the input device which concerns on another embodiment has. FIG. 65 is a diagram showing a relationship between an output waveform of the optical sensor when disturbance light is strong and a signal whose waveform is shaped by the circuit shown in FIG. 64. It is a figure which shows an example in case the light emission period T changes exponentially according to the magnitude | size of a speed value. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the distance from a photosensor to a user's finger | toe, and the output voltage from a light receiving element. It is sectional drawing of the determination button which the input device which concerns on other embodiment has. It is sectional drawing which shows the switch module which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 70 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the switch module shown in FIG. 69; FIG. 70 is a plan view of the switch module shown in FIG. 69. It is sectional drawing which shows the switch module which concerns on other embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the switch module which concerns on another embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the switch module which concerns on another embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the switch module which concerns on another embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the switch module which concerns on another embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the switch module which concerns on another embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the switch module which concerns on another embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the switch module which concerns on another embodiment. FIG. 80 is a plan view of the switch module shown in FIG. 79.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 200, 300, 400 ... Input device 2 ... Pointer 3 ... Screen 6 ... Front button 7 ... Move button 8, 211, 311, 411, 511 ... Decision button 11 ... Operation button 10, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 210 ... casing 15 ... angular velocity sensor unit 16 ... acceleration sensor unit 19 ... MPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Crystal oscillator 21 ... Transmitter 22 ... Antenna 23, 95, 223 ... Operation part 40 ... Control apparatus 54, 154 ... Connection line 58A, 59A, 58B, 58C ... Terminal 97 ... Push button 100 ... Control system 110 ... Circuit 130 , 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 210, 220 ... switch module 133, 135 ... elastic material 143 ... space 151 ... first angular velocity sensor 152 ... second angular velocity sensor 161 ... first acceleration sensor 162 ... Second acceleration sensor 215a, 215b, 215c, 215d ... Switch 252 ... Reflection type optical sensor 252a ... Light emitting element 252b ... Light receiving element 256 ... Light shielding plate 352 ... Capacitance sensor 452 ... Transmission type optical sensor 500 ... Sensor module body

As shown in FIG. 8A, in the basic posture, the user moves the wrist or arm up and down or rotates around the X axis. At this time, the second acceleration sensor 162 detects the acceleration in the Y-axis direction (second acceleration), and the first angular velocity sensor 151 detects the angular velocity around the X-axis (first angular velocity). Based on these detection values, the control device 40 controls the display of the pointer 2 so that the pointer 2 moves in the Y-axis direction.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, in the basic posture state, the user moves the wrist or arm in the left-right direction or rotates around the Y axis. At this time, the first acceleration sensor 161 detects acceleration in the X-axis direction (first acceleration), and the second angular velocity sensor 152 detects angular velocity around the Y-axis (second angular velocity). Based on these detection values, the control device 40 controls the display of the pointer 2 so that the pointer 2 moves in the X-axis direction.

The control device 40 converts the displacement in the yaw direction per unit time of the input device 1 into the amount of displacement of the pointer 2 on the X axis on the screen 3, and the displacement in the pitch direction per unit time of the input device 1 is converted. The pointer 2 is moved by converting the amount of displacement of the pointer 2 on the Y axis on the screen 3. Typically, for example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the MPU 35 of the control device 40 sets the speed value supplied for each predetermined number of clocks to the speed value supplied for the (n−1) th time, n Add the speed value supplied for the second time. Thus, the velocity value supplied for the nth time corresponds to the displacement amount of the pointer 2, and the coordinate information on the screen 3 of the pointer 2 is generated.

Claims (58)

An input device for controlling the movement of the pointer on the screen,
A housing,
A sensor that detects the movement of the casing and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the movement of the casing;
Movement command output means for outputting a movement command corresponding to the amount of displacement of the pointer on the screen in response to the detection signal;
A first switch that can be switched according to an operation input to the input device;
An input device comprising: output control means for controlling output of the movement command in order to switch movement of the pointer and stop of movement of the pointer according to switching of the first switch. The input device according to claim 1,
The output control means includes
An input device for controlling the output of the movement command so that the pointer can be moved when a first operation signal from the first switch is input. The input device according to claim 2,
A determination command having a second switch and outputting a determination command corresponding to the input of the second operation signal to the input device by the second switch in a state in which the first operation signal is input; An input device further comprising output means. The input device according to claim 3,
An input device further comprising an operation unit having a two-stage action for continuously inputting the first operation signal and the second operation signal. The input device according to claim 4,
The operation unit is
An input device having a push-type button that can correspond to the first switch and the second switch by linear push. The input device according to claim 4,
The operation unit is
A push-type first button having the first switch;
A push-type second button provided physically apart from the first button and having the second switch;
An input device comprising: a front button capable of continuously pressing the first button and the second button. The input device according to claim 1,
The output control means includes
When the first operation signal by the first switch is input, the output of the movement command is output so as to stop the output of the movement command or to output the movement command with the displacement amount being zero. Input device to control. The input device according to claim 2,
A determination that includes a second switch and outputs a determination command corresponding to the input of the second operation signal to the input device by the second switch in a state where the input of the first operation signal is released An input device further comprising command output means. The input device according to claim 3,
Within a first time after the second operation signal is input by the second switch, the movement command is output to stop the output of the movement command or the displacement amount is set to zero. An input device further comprising movement command control means for controlling the movement command output means. The input device according to claim 3,
Within the second time after the input of the second operation signal by the second switch is canceled, the movement command is set so that the output of the movement command is stopped or the displacement amount is set to zero. An input device further comprising movement command control means for controlling the movement command output means to output. The input device according to claim 9,
The movement command control means includes
When the input of the second operation signal is canceled within the first time after the second operation signal is input by the second switch, the input of the second operation signal is canceled An input device that controls the movement command output means so as to stop the output of the movement command within the second time period from. The input device according to claim 9,
The movement command control means includes
When the input of the second operation signal is canceled within the first time after the second operation signal is input by the second switch, the input of the second operation signal is canceled An input device that controls the movement command output means so as to output the movement command with the displacement amount set to zero within the second time. The input device according to claim 10,
The movement command control means includes
In a case where the second operation signal is input within the second time after the input of the second operation signal by the second switch is canceled, the second operation signal is input and then the An input device that controls the movement command output means to stop the output of the movement command within a first time. The input device according to claim 10,
The movement command control means includes
In a case where the second operation signal is input within the second time after the input of the second operation signal by the second switch is canceled, the second operation signal is input and then the An input device that controls the movement command output means so as to output the movement command with the displacement amount being zero within a first time. The input device according to claim 9,
The output control means includes
An input device that controls the movement command output means to start outputting the movement command after a third time has elapsed since the input of the first operation signal for moving the pointer. The input device according to claim 7,
A determination command having a second switch and outputting a determination command corresponding to the input of the second operation signal to the input device by the second switch in a state in which the first operation signal is input; An input device further comprising output means. A switch that detects the movement of the casing and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the movement of the casing corresponding to the amount of displacement of the pointer on the screen. A control for controlling the movement of the pointer in accordance with the detection signal output from the input device having one switch and an output control means for controlling the output of the detection signal in response to switching of the first switch. A device,
Receiving means for receiving the detection signal;
An output means for outputting a corresponding signal corresponding to the displacement based on the received detection signal;
A control device comprising: display control means for controlling a display position of the pointer on the screen in accordance with the correspondence signal, and for controlling movement of the pointer and stoppage of the movement in accordance with control by the output control means. . A control system for controlling the movement of a pointer on a screen,
A housing,
A sensor that detects the movement of the casing and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the movement of the casing;
Movement command output means for outputting a movement command corresponding to the amount of displacement of the pointer on the screen in response to the detection signal;
A first switch that can be switched according to an operation input to the input device;
An input device having output control means for controlling the output of the movement command in response to switching of the first switch;
Receiving means for receiving the movement command;
Display control means for controlling the display position of the pointer on the screen in accordance with the received movement command, and for controlling movement of the pointer and stop of the movement in accordance with control by the output control means. A control system comprising a control device. A control system for controlling the movement of a pointer on a screen,
A housing,
A sensor that detects the movement of the housing and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the movement of the housing corresponding to the amount of displacement of the pointer on the screen;
A first switch that can be switched according to an operation input;
An input device having output control means for controlling the output of the detection signal in response to switching of the first switch;
Receiving means for receiving the detection signal;
An output means for outputting a corresponding signal corresponding to the displacement based on the received detection signal;
A control device having display control means for controlling a display position of the pointer on the screen in accordance with the correspondence signal and controlling movement of the pointer and stop of the movement in accordance with control by the output control means; A control system comprising: By detecting the movement of the casing of the input device, a detection signal corresponding to the movement of the casing is output,
In response to the detection signal, a movement command corresponding to the amount of pointer displacement on the screen is output,
Controlling the output of the movement command according to the switching of the first switch by the operation input to the input device provided in the input device,
Controlling the display position of the pointer on the screen according to the movement command;
A control method for controlling movement of the pointer and stopping of the movement according to control of output of the movement command. An input device for controlling the movement of the pointer on the screen,
A housing,
A motion sensor that detects the movement of the housing and outputs a motion signal according to the movement of the housing;
Command output means for outputting a movement command corresponding to the motion signal for moving the pointer on the screen;
A sensor having a detection region and detecting whether or not a user's body is present in the detection region;
Output control means for controlling the output of the movement command in order to switch the movement of the pointer and the stop of the movement when the sensor detects that the user's body is present in the detection area. Input device. The input device according to claim 21, wherein
The output control means includes
An input device that controls the output of the movement command so that the pointer moves on the screen when it is detected that the user's body is present in the detection area. The input device according to claim 21, wherein
The output control means includes
An input device that controls the output of the movement command so as to stop the movement of the pointer on the screen when it is detected that the body of the user is present in the detection area. An input device according to claim 22,
An operation unit that is pressed by the user and outputs a pressing operation signal corresponding to the pressing operation;
An input device further comprising: determination command output means for outputting a determination command according to the pressing operation signal. An input device according to claim 24,
The output control means controls an output of the determination command in response to an input of the pressing operation signal in a state where the presence of the user's body is detected in the detection area. The input device according to claim 25, wherein
The detection area is an input device arranged on the operation unit. An input device according to claim 24,
The input control unit controls output of the determination command in response to an input of the pressing operation signal in a state where it is not detected that the user's body is present in the detection area. The input device according to claim 27, wherein
The input device in which the detection area is arranged so that the operation section and the detection area are arranged in a direction different from a pressing direction to the operation section. The input device according to claim 21, wherein
The sensor is
A light emitting element for irradiating the detection region with light;
An input device which is an optical sensor having a light receiving element for detecting the light. 30. The input device according to claim 29, wherein
An input device further comprising a wavelength selection region that selectively transmits light belonging to the wavelength region of the light emitted from the light emitting element among the light receiving the light receiving element. The input device according to claim 21, wherein
The input device is a capacitance sensor. The input device according to claim 21, wherein
When it is not detected that the user's body is present in the detection area, or when it is not detected that the user's body is present in the detection area continues for a predetermined time, An input device further comprising a regulating means for regulating power supply. The input device according to claim 21, wherein
The sensor is an input device that detects whether or not the user's body is present in the detection region at a predetermined cycle. An input device according to claim 33,
An input device further comprising cycle control means for variably controlling the cycle. 35. The input device according to claim 34, wherein
The cycle control means is an input device that controls the cycle so that the cycle becomes shorter as an output value of the motion signal or a calculated value obtained based on the motion signal increases. 35. The input device according to claim 34, wherein
The cycle control means controls the cycle so that the cycle becomes longer as the time from when the presence of the user's body is not detected within the detection area until the presence is detected becomes longer. Input device. 35. The input device according to claim 34, wherein
The cycle control means is configured such that the cycle increases as the time from when the supply of power from the power source to the input device is started until the presence of the user's body in the detection region is increased. An input device that controls the period to be long. An input device according to claim 33,
The sensor is
A light emitting element for irradiating the detection region with light;
A light receiving element for detecting the light;
Voltage control means for controlling the voltage so as to supply a voltage to the light emitting element intermittently in the cycle, and to control the voltage so as to continuously supply the voltage to the light receiving element regardless of the cycle; Having an input device. An input device according to claim 33,
The sensor is
A light emitting element for irradiating the detection region with light;
A light receiving element for detecting the light;
An input device further comprising a shielding member arranged so as to be sandwiched between the light emitting element and the light receiving element and shielding the light from the light emitting element. 39. The input device according to claim 38, comprising:
The light receiving element is
Outputting a light reception signal corresponding to the detected intensity of the light;
The input device is:
An input device further comprising a determination unit that inputs the light reception signal and determines whether or not the light reception signal is input according to a change amount of an output value of the light reception signal. 39. The input device according to claim 38, comprising:
The light receiving element is
Outputting a light reception signal corresponding to the detected intensity of the light;
The input device is:
Removing means for inputting the received light signal and removing a DC component of the received light signal;
Waveform shaping means for shaping the waveform of the received light signal from which the DC component has been removed;
An input device comprising: An input device according to claim 24,
The output control means is an input device for controlling the output of the movement command so that the pointer stops on the screen within a first time after the input of the pressing operation signal is started. An input device according to claim 24,
The output control means is an input device that controls the output of the movement command so that the pointer stops on the screen within a second time after the input of the pressing operation signal is canceled. An input device according to claim 42,
When the input of the pressing operation signal is canceled within the first time period, the output control means stops the pointer on the screen during the second time period after the input of the pressing operation signal is canceled. An input device for controlling the output of the movement command. An input device according to claim 43, wherein
When the input of the pressing operation signal is started within the second time, the output control means stops the pointer on the screen during the first time from the start of the input of the pressing operation signal. An input device for controlling the output of the movement command. 41. The input device according to claim 40, wherein
The light-emitting element that emits light in the cycle determines input of the light-receiving signal according to whether or not a difference between the light-receiving signal output value during light emission and the light-receiving signal output value during light extinction exceeds a predetermined threshold. Input device. 30. The input device according to claim 29, wherein
An input device further comprising a transmission member that has a pressing surface pressed by the user, is provided so that the detection region is disposed on the pressing surface, and transmits light emitted from the light emitting element. The input device according to claim 47, wherein
An input device further comprising a support member that integrally supports the transmission member and the optical sensor. 49. An input device according to claim 48, comprising:
The optical sensor is an input device that is resin-sealed by the transmissive member. 49. An input device according to claim 48, comprising:
The support member is
A holding base for holding the light emitting element and the light receiving element;
An input device comprising: a light-shielding member that is provided on the holding base between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element so as to be in contact with the transmission member and shields the light from the light-emitting element. The input device according to claim 23, wherein
An operation unit that is pressed by the user and outputs a pressing operation signal corresponding to the pressing operation;
An input device further comprising: determination command output means for outputting a determination command according to the pressing operation signal. The input device according to claim 31, wherein
An operation unit that is pressed by the user and outputs a pressing operation signal corresponding to the pressing operation;
An input device further comprising: determination command output means for outputting a determination command according to the pressing operation signal. Whether there is a housing, a motion sensor that detects movement of the housing and outputs a motion signal according to the movement of the housing, and a detection area, and whether or not a user's body exists in the detection area A control device that controls display of movement of the pointer on the screen in accordance with information on the motion signal output from an input device having a sensor for detecting the presence of the motion signal and presence information indicating that the body exists.
Receiving means for receiving the motion signal information and the presence information;
An output means for outputting a control signal corresponding to the motion signal for moving the pointer on the screen;
Display control means for controlling display of movement of the pointer on the screen in response to the control signal;
A control device comprising: output control means for controlling the output of the control signal to switch the movement of the pointer and the stop of the movement according to the presence information. A control system for controlling the movement of a pointer on a screen,
A housing,
A motion sensor that detects the movement of the housing and outputs a motion signal according to the movement of the housing;
Command output means for outputting a movement command corresponding to the motion signal for moving the pointer on the screen;
A sensor having a detection region and detecting whether or not a user's body is present in the detection region;
And an output control means for controlling the output of the movement command to switch the movement of the pointer and the stop of the movement when the sensor detects that the user's body is present in the detection area. Equipment,
Receiving means for receiving the movement command;
A control system comprising: a display control unit that controls display of movement of the pointer on the screen according to the movement command. A control system for controlling the movement of a pointer on a screen,
A housing,
A motion sensor that detects the movement of the housing and outputs a motion signal according to the movement of the housing;
A sensor having a detection region and detecting whether or not a user's body is present in the detection region;
An input device having information on the motion signal and transmission means for transmitting presence information indicating the presence of the body;
Receiving means for receiving the motion signal information and the presence information;
An output means for outputting a control signal corresponding to the motion signal for moving the pointer on the screen;
Display control means for controlling display of movement of the pointer on the screen in response to the control signal;
A control system comprising: an output control means for controlling the output of the control signal to switch the movement of the pointer and the stop of the movement according to the presence information. By detecting the movement of the casing, a motion signal corresponding to the movement of the casing is output,
A movement command corresponding to the movement signal for moving the pointer on the screen is output,
Detect whether the user's body exists in the detection area,
When it is detected that the user's body is present in the detection area, an output of the movement command is controlled to switch the movement of the pointer and the stop of the movement. A housing,
A display unit;
A sensor that detects the movement of the casing and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the movement of the casing;
In accordance with the detection signal, a movement command output means for outputting a movement command for moving the pointer on the screen displayed on the display unit;
A first switch that can be switched according to an operation input to the handheld device;
Control the display position of the pointer on the screen according to the movement command, and control the output of the movement command to switch the movement of the pointer and stop of the movement according to the switching of the first switch. A handheld device comprising: A housing,
A display unit;
A motion sensor that detects the movement of the housing and outputs a motion signal according to the movement of the housing;
Command output means for outputting a movement command corresponding to the motion signal for moving the pointer on the screen displayed on the display unit;
A sensor having a detection region and detecting whether or not a user's body is present in the detection region;
The display position of the pointer on the screen is controlled in accordance with the movement command, and when the sensor detects that the user's body is present in the detection area, the movement of the pointer and the movement of the pointer are detected. A handheld device comprising: control means for controlling the output of the movement command to switch the stop.